Discover how the advent of the automobile brought new mobility and freedom for African Americans, but also exposed them to discrimination and deadly violence, and how that history resonates today.
“Driving While Black” explores the underlining issues of what it means to exercise freedom as a black American. Mobility has always been restricted for blacks in this country since being transported in chains to forced confinement on someone’s property. The rise of the automobile changed many lives as it offered new exploration and experiences outside the community. The car became a symbol of opportunity and discovery for most, but if you were black, the simple act of driving presented fear, anxiety, and stress of daily confrontation that has been known to result in violence or death.
The open road was not so open as there were strict rules of where travel was permitted. Consistently targeted, harassed, threatened, and murdered by law enforcement, driving while black has become more than a phrase but a symbol and reminder of deep-rooted racism right here in America. This documentary is powerful and a real wake-up call revealing some harsh truths about the long history of difficulties navigating life while being black in this country.
Premieres on PBS Tuesday, October 13th
