Bessie Stringfield became known as the Motorcycle Queen of Miami. The Black American motorcyclist made long-distance journeys when racism and prejudice against women restricted travellers’ opportunities.
She settled in Miami in the 1950s and founded the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club. Motorcycling was both a way to travel and a connection with other riders.
Stringfield entered the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame posthumously in 2002. The AMA award bearing her name honours people who help bring new audiences into motorcycling.
Her story broadens the idea of an influential rider: persistence, openness and community-building can also earn a place in motorcycle history.