Wind gusts were fierce in Miami Gardens Wednesday afternoon – a fitting allegory for a tribute to Bessie Stringfield, the first Black woman to ride cross country in the United States on her motorcycle.
Known as the “Motorcycle Queen of Miami,” Stringfield completed eight trips total across the U.S. starting in the 1930s. Now, as people cruise through Miami Gardens along Northwest 153rd Street on the way to Opa-locka, they will see a street sign bearing her name: Bessie Stringfield Way.
“This is what community and commitment and dedication from groups of residents and people, who don’t even live in our city, looks like,” Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris said to a crowd of at least 75 people, including local all-female biker group Sunshine Divas In Motion Excelling (D.I.M.E.S.) and the Bessie Stringfield All Female Ride, a group dedicated to Stringfield’s memory.
Stringfield’s honor comes at a time when Black historical figures are being removed from government websites and the way Black history is taught is policed statewide and nationally, a nd as diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are being rolled back by national corporations.
“We’re maintaining our legacy and our history despite what anyone else’s plans are,” said Miami Gardens Councilwoman Michelle C. Powell, whose district is home to the newly designated street. “We’re going to continue remembering our history and celebrating it and keeping it in the history books, at least through the people of Miami Gardens.”…