Stokes was a streetcar operator for the Capital Transit Co., a firm that had its own racist history: The company refused to hire Black bus drivers or streetcar operators until 1955. ADHe couldn’t even go inside to use the bathroom, as the White drivers could. When World War II created an acute shortage of male workers, the company opted to hire White female drivers over Black men. The company dragged its feet, claiming that as many as 90 percent of its White drivers would quit if Black drivers were hired. “I love the streetcar,” said Howard Stokes.

Source: Washington Post February 20, 2021 23:15 UTC