From intrepid explorers to hearty pioneers to Jack Kerouac's drug addled odyssey, the road trip is a staple of American literature and folklore. Stories of crossing the nation are allegories for freedom, expanding opportunities, and often escape.
The little known story of an African American woman crossing the country eight times during the 1930s and 40s is remarkable enough. The fact that Bessie Stringfield did it—alone—on a motorcycle is downright astonishing.
In the second installment of his graphic anthology Tales of the Talented Tenth: Black History In Action. Joel Christian Gillbrings us the story of Bessie Stringfield who became known as the Motorcycle Queen of Miami. Joel is the chairman, CEO, president, director of development, majority and minority stock holder, manager , co-manager, regional manager, assistant to the regional manager, receptionist, senior black correspondent and janitor of Strange Fruit Comics and Chair of Foundations at the NHIA in Manchester.
Listen to the interview here:
