During the Jim Crow Era, it was rare for African Americans to have the means to travel or to have equal rights. White Supremacists feared and sought to restrict black mobility. Although this was there fear several African American families were moving from the farm to the big cities to take on industrial jobs creating a financial gain that helped them attain vehicles. Several cities and states would still find a way to discriminate against the Negro traveler although it was made illegal in the Civil Rights Act of 1875. Blacks had to work together to travel and vacation across the US with the help of the historic "Negro Motorist Green Book", a collection of motels, gas stations, restaurants, and more. The Green Book Project is a web documentary that included photo essays, and interviews across the United States about African American experience via their mode of transportation.

Thomas “Kid” Hawkins – Car Enthusiast , Boxer, and Aviator

Thanks to research by reader Tin Indian we now know more “Kid” Hawkins, who was featured here earlier this week with his Locomobile roadster. Today he is pictured in the lead photo with a late-1920s or 1930 Stutz or “Black Hawk” that has been converted into a roadster with a new rear section.

Thomas “Kid” Hawkins was originally from Washington, NC apparently, and also known as “Ace” Hawkins. The photo and article below from “The Afro American” Dec. 15, 1934 issue pictures Hawkins and the airplane he announced he was to fly nonstop across the Atlantic in 1934, it also includes his background information.