Empress Vagabond Lump

Empress Vagabond Lump (Quadhosh Ajada) (Lizzie Williams) is an important figure within the hobo community. She made history in 1981 when she was elected Hobo Queen, the first Black woman to have the title. Empress Lump said that "hoboing was in her blood". She grew up around Memphis, Tennessee, and would scavenge pieces of coal along the train tracks. Her grandfather was a migratory worker and her grandmother would often feed the hobos. Eventually, she became a freelance writer and lived a true hobo life. Queen Lump had a beautiful singing voice which she often hid but "When Queen Lump sang, it was about her life and travels. She did it because people wanted her to do it. Not for attention." Empress Vagabond Lump is a key part of the hobo community and her story demonstrates the history of migratory work and how race impacts it. She has played a vital role in the preservation of hobo culture as well as served a role in community engagement.