New Year’s Day in 1915 passed seemingly insignificant to most of the world, but in New York City, history was being made. Wilma K. Russey stepped out that morning in a leopard skin hat and became the first female taxi driver. At this time, women were still unable to vote and still viewed as property of men. Cars were still relatively new and generally intended for men. For a woman to take on a job that was strictly for men showed that women could contribute to the work force the same way men could.
Now, Wilma was no ordinary woman. She was an expert mechanic and had significantly more experience with automobiles than most men! She worked in Dalton’s Garage for over year as a respected mechanic until she decided to take up taxi driving. She was also incredibly fashionable and professional and carried herself well. On the corner where she stopped and presented her chauffeur’s license to a police officer, a crowd of taxi drivers watched in awe and disbelief. After some deliberation amongst the group they welcomed her as one of their own and shared tips. A group of men walked up and asked if they could be her first taxi job!
While it seems like a small step in history, Wilma’s courage and determination helped pave the way for women to be taken seriously in the workforce alongside men. Five years after this event, women across the United States earned the right to vote and the fight for quality moved forward. Thank you, Wilma K. Russey, and you’re incredible contribution to women’s automobile history.
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