Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights

Explore a powerful and deeply researched look at how freedom of movement became a central civil rights issue. In Driving While Black, historian Gretchen Sorin tells the compelling story of African American motorists in the early 20th century who navigated segregation, discrimination, and danger on the nation’s roads. From the rise of Black leisure travel to the creation of safe spaces and guidebooks like The Green Book, Sorin reveals how travel became both a liberating experience and a catalyst for social change.

Richly illustrated and rooted in firsthand accounts, this book connects the history of American transportation with broader struggles for justice and equality. It highlights how the simple act of getting behind the wheel became an assertion of dignity and citizenship. Whether you're a history enthusiast, student, or reader interested in civil rights and American culture, Driving While Black offers fresh insight into a unique and important chapter of U.S. history.

Details:

• Author: Gretchen Sorin
• Genre: American History / Civil Rights
• Focus: African American travel and its impact on society
• Ideal for readers interested in U.S. history, social justice, and cultural studies

An essential addition to any collection exploring freedom, mobility, and the American experience.