“When I get on the motorcycle I put the Man Upstairs on the front.”

March 31, 2018 6:37 PM

In the time that Stringfield lived, her lifestyle was utterly taboo; only ten years after white women gained the right to vote, she was breaking conventions by forging a wildly independent path as a Black woman. Ferrar notes in Iron and Air Magazine that “it takes tough mental grit—foresight, planning, and craftiness—to do what Bessie did in the Jim Crow era and get away with it.” - The Black Woman Who Biked Across the US Alone During the 1930s Jim Crow Era
posted by supercrayon (9 comments total)

This is literally the kind of quality content I come here for. That was amazing. I wonder how she could afford to travel so much. I guess I'll have to read the book.
posted by AFABulous at 7:42 PM on March 31, 2018 [1 favorite]

And there's a graphic novel about her by Joel Christian Gill!
posted by cadge at 8:03 PM on March 31, 2018 [4 favorites]

So cool! Thanks for sharing.
posted by Grandysaur at 8:09 PM on March 31, 2018

Yay, Bessie Stringfield! AFABulous, I like to imagine her response to the question of how she could afford to travel so much would be how could she afford not to.
posted by Maxwell's demon at 10:43 PM on March 31, 2018 [2 favorites]

For those both curious and determined, I think there's a reddit sub that will colorize b&w photos on request. It would be interesting to know what colors her bikes and outfit were. Why, cause bikes are cool to look at.
posted by Beholder at 1:28 AM on April 1, 2018

Ohhh, amazing! Thank you for this, I love learning about new fabulous and brave women!
posted by halcyonday at 3:44 AM on April 1, 2018

Thank you thank you. This is an amazing story.
posted by parki at 4:33 AM on April 1, 2018

How did Bessie afford to travel? By performing amazing stunts and expositions on her bike! More photos available on this video. There's an all-female cross-Florida motorcycle ride held annually in her honor.

You can find an ebook about her, too, called Motorcycle Queen of Miami, and she's in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

And she has a page on Rejected Princesses!

We could have a whole FPP on awesome Bessies... see also, Bessie Coleman.
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 5:15 AM on April 1, 2018 [6 favorites]

It so comforting to read about women who bravely did their own thing, rather than try to fit in with everyone else. Especially women of color, who faced more restrictions, and prejudice than anyone else. Their bravery is inspiring!
posted by WalkerWestridge at 2:11 PM on April 1, 2018