Driving While Black

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Mobility has historically been limited for African Americans, with slaves confined to their masters' properties and free Black individuals often facing harassment and kidnapping. These restrictions persisted into the Reconstruction era and beyond, as many white Americans denied Black people the right to travel freely. However, the advent of the automobile changed the landscape of mobility. Acclaimed historian Gretchen Sorin explores how the car became a vital symbol of independence for African Americans, enabling them to navigate a racially hostile society and experience the freedom of the open road. She uncovers a parallel world of Black motorists who relied on travel guides, Black-owned businesses, and informal networks for safety. Notable establishments like New York's Hotel Theresa and New Orleans' Dooky Chase provided refuge and sustenance for travelers. Central to Sorin's narrative is the Green Book, a travel guide initiated by Victor and Alma Green in 1936, which allowed Black Americans to participate in family vacations. This guide and the network of Black businesses fostered a new form of resistance against oppression. While the car offered newfound freedom, it also introduced challenges, including segregated services and racial violence. Through her family history and rare images, Sorin illustrates how the automobile reshaped African American life and sheds light on enduring issues of racial inequality.