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Residents urge Miami Gardens to name street for motorcycling pioneer Bessie Stringfield
Summary
Multiple speakers at the Jan. 8 city council meeting asked officials to approve a street naming honoring Bessie Stringfield, citing her service as a civilian courier in World War II and local historical ties.
Several residents used the Jan. 8 public‑comment period to ask the City Council to approve a street‑naming honoring Bessie Stringfield, the Black motorcyclist who rode across the United States multiple times and who lived in South Florida.
Speakers including Christine Malcolm, Connie Rowe Taylor, Sonnie Bell, Steve LaFleur and Sanford Perkins urged the council to act so that a site associated with Stringfield’s last home is formally recognized. Commenters described Stringfield as a civilian courier for the U.S. Army during World War II and noted that local and state proclamations have recognized her contributions in prior years.
Christine Malcolm, a local historian who said she has worked on past street‑naming projects, told the council the effort is "long overdue" and noted earlier recognitions, including a proclamation cited by speakers. Connie Rowe Taylor, who identified herself as the daughter of Joannie Cox Rowe, asked the council "to complete this project this month" and to support the effort. Sonnie Bell, who described herself as a long‑distance motorcyclist, and Steve LaFleur, a former police officer and U.S. military veteran, described Stringfield's national rides, her service as a civilian dispatch rider during World War II, her induction into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2002 and other honors cited by speakers. Sanford Perkins said he met Stringfield in 1954 and described her local significance.
Speakers asked council members to sponsor or approve a street name, or otherwise speed the process; no council action or vote on a street‑naming occurred during the meeting. The request will likely require staff follow‑up under the city's street‑naming procedures before any ordinance or formal naming is considered.
Public comment details: Malcolm said she had worked on earlier street namings including one for Dr. Enid Pinckney; speakers referenced prior proclamations and community events that have honored Stringfield. Councilmembers did not take formal action during the meeting; staff and council will need to review the street‑naming request against city procedures before any formal agenda item can be scheduled.
