Bessie Stringfield, the first Black woman to ride a motorcycle in every one of the connected 48 states. She wasn’t welcomed in most motels so often slept on her bike at gas stations. Photo ca.1930.
“If you had black skin you couldn’t get a place to stay,” she said. “I knew the Lord would take care of me and He did. If I found black folks, I’d stay with them. If not, I’d sleep at filling stations on my motorcycle.” Bessie folded her jacket on the handlebars as a pillow and rested her feet on the rear mudguard.
That is a 1940 Harley she is on. One of 27 Harleys she owned in her lifetime.
After repeatedly being pulled over and harassed by Miami officers, she visited the police captain. They went to a nearby park to prove her riding abilities. She gained the captain's approval to ride and did not have any more trouble with the police.
Bessie served as a civilian courier for the US Army in WWII. She was known as "The Motorcycle Queen of Miami" and kept riding up until her 80s.
I learned a little while ago that in the 60's there was something called The Negro Motorist Green Book that indexed locations in various towns across the country where black people would able to do business. This was very improtant because going on a long trip would be difficult when you don't know how far the nearest gas station where the workers would actually take your business is. It also logged motels and restaurants I believe.
Edit: apparently it was around a ways before the 60's as well
notbob1959 on July 11st, 2018 at 14:04 UTC »
“If you had black skin you couldn’t get a place to stay,” she said. “I knew the Lord would take care of me and He did. If I found black folks, I’d stay with them. If not, I’d sleep at filling stations on my motorcycle.” Bessie folded her jacket on the handlebars as a pillow and rested her feet on the rear mudguard.
That is a 1940 Harley she is on. One of 27 Harleys she owned in her lifetime.
TooShiftyForYou on July 11st, 2018 at 14:41 UTC »
After repeatedly being pulled over and harassed by Miami officers, she visited the police captain. They went to a nearby park to prove her riding abilities. She gained the captain's approval to ride and did not have any more trouble with the police.
Bessie served as a civilian courier for the US Army in WWII. She was known as "The Motorcycle Queen of Miami" and kept riding up until her 80s.
guardsanswer on July 11st, 2018 at 15:08 UTC »
I learned a little while ago that in the 60's there was something called The Negro Motorist Green Book that indexed locations in various towns across the country where black people would able to do business. This was very improtant because going on a long trip would be difficult when you don't know how far the nearest gas station where the workers would actually take your business is. It also logged motels and restaurants I believe.
Edit: apparently it was around a ways before the 60's as well