The “Motorcycle Queen of Miami” is getting the recognition she deserves for being a pioneer. On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the City of Miami Gardens made history by honoring an American icon—Bessie Stringfield, the first Black woman to ride a motorcycle solo across the United States—with a street renaming ceremony and community ride.
Now officially named Bessie Stringfield Way, the street at NW 24th Avenue and NW 153rd Terrace will forever commemorate the woman known as the “Motorcycle Queen of Miami.” Organized by Councilwoman Dr. Michelle Powell in partnership with Sunshine D.I.M.E.S. (Divas In Motion Excelling) motorcycle squad, the event drew a passionate crowd of riders, community members, and leaders who came to uplift Stringfield’s legacy.
Stringfield defied the odds starting in the 1930s, completing eight cross-country motorcycle trips during a time when both her race and gender made such feats near impossible. Her fearlessness and determination have since inspired generations of riders and freedom-seekers.
“This wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a declaration,” said Metris Batts, a key organizer and president of The Miami Woman’s Club. “We are writing history in real time, ensuring the stories of trailblazers like Bessie Stringfield are seen, heard, and remembered.”
Attendees described the event as a celebration of community, culture, and resilience. Roaring engines, emotional speeches, and powerful unity defined the moment as people gathered not only to ride in her honor, but to continue building the community she symbolized.
“Because of you, Bessie’s legacy lives on—not just in the streets we ride, but in the unity we build,” wrote Sunshine D.I.M.E. in a public message of thanks.
As Miami Gardens continues to invest in honoring local and national Black pioneers, the naming of Bessie Stringfield Way is a lasting tribute to a woman who rode through barriers and paved the way—literally and figuratively—for so many.
Check out the video below of the ceremony that honor Bessie Stringfield Way.
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