Why read Driving While Black?

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

Book description

Driving While Black demonstrates that the car-the ultimate symbol of independence and possibility-has always held particular importance for African Americans, allowing black families to evade the dangers presented by an entrenched racist society and to enjoy, in some measure, the freedom of the open road. Melding new archival research with…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Driving While Black as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Anne Lutz Fernandez

Author

I first learned about this book from the PBS documentary that was based on it, and it is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex history of the automobile in America, a history rife with contradictions. Sorin highlights how the advent of the car provided Black Americans with great freedom and opportunity (including through its role in the civil rights movement) but also came with severe risks and restrictions. I especially appreciated how the author’s family history deepened the broader, national story.

From Anne's list on The best books for understanding America’s car system.