In 1854, traveling was full of danger. Omnibus accidents were commonplace. Pedestrians were regularly attacked by the Five Pointsā gangs. Rival police forces watched and argued over who should help. Pickpockets, drunks, and kidnappers were all part of the daily street scene in old New York.
None of this was on Elizabeth Jenningsās mind as she climbed the platform onto the Chatham Street horsecar. But her destination and that of the country took a sudden turn when the conductor told her to wait for the next car because it had āher peopleā in it. When she refused to step off the bus, she was assaulted by the conductor who was aided by a NY police officer. On February 22, 1855, Elizabeth Jennings v. Third Avenue Rail Road case was settled. Seeking $500 in damages, the jury stunned the courtroom with a $250 verdict in Lizzieās favor. Future US president Chester A. Arthur was Jennings attorney and their lives would be forever onward intertwined.
This is the story of what happened that day. Itās also the story of Jennings and Arthurās families, the struggle for equality, and race relations. Itās the history of America at its most despicable and most exhilarating. Yet few historians know of Elizabeth Jennings or the impact she had on desegregating public transit.
This book title, America's First Freedom Rider (Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights) - 9781493059423, ISBN: 9781493059423, by Jerry Mikorenda, published by Lyons Press (November 1, 2022) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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