In 1854, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jennings, an African American schoolteacher, fought back when she was unjustly denied entry to a New York City streetcar, sparking the beginnings of the long struggle to gain equal rights on public transportation.

One hundred years before Rosa Parks took her stand, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jennings tried to board a streetcar in New York City on her way to church. Though there were plenty of empty seats, she was denied entry, assaulted, and threatened all because of her race–even though New York was a free state at that time. Lizzie decided to fight back. She told her story, took her case to court–where future president Chester Arthur represented her–and won! Her victory was the first recorded in the fight for equal rights on public transportation, and Lizzie’s case set a precedent. Author Beth Anderson and acclaimed illustrator E. B. Lewis bring this inspiring, little-known story to life in this captivating book.

In stock

SKU 1-5735

Description / Lizzie Demands A Seat Book

In 1854, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jennings, an African American schoolteacher, fought back when she was unjustly denied entry to a New York City streetcar, sparking the beginnings of the long struggle to gain equal rights on public transportation.

One hundred years before Rosa Parks took her stand, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jennings tried to board a streetcar in New York City on her way to church. Though there were plenty of empty seats, she was denied entry, assaulted, and threatened all because of her race–even though New York was a free state at that time. Lizzie decided to fight back. She told her story, took her case to court–where future president Chester Arthur represented her–and won! Her victory was the first recorded in the fight for equal rights on public transportation, and Lizzie’s case set a precedent. Author Beth Anderson and acclaimed illustrator E. B. Lewis bring this inspiring, little-known story to life in this captivating book.

We found other products you might like!

Navigating through the elements of the carousel is possible using the tab key. You can skip the carousel or go straight to carousel navigation using the skip links.
Book Thomas and Bruno
$5.99
MTA Blue 16" Articulated Bus
$44.95
Patron Membership
$550.00
NYC Subway #R Train Teddy Bear
$10.95
Brio 36003 Turbo Train
$67.95
Munipals Sticker Book Brooklyn Book-1
$19.95
GM Bus 9098 Pin
$1.50
To Dream Poster
$20.00
6 Inch Straight Wooden Track
$1.75
2021 Morning Commute MTA Arts & Design Art Card
$25.00
Frequently bought together
Toddler Tee L Train (Brooklyn to Manhattan)
As low as $21.00
NYC MTA Wooden Bus Set
$47.95
Wooden Letter O Train
$6.75
MTA Die-Cast Subway Car
$22.50
Magnet Grand Central 42nd Street
$5.95
2019 Park Line MTA Arts & Design Art Card
$25.00
B Is for Brooklyn Book
$19.99
GCT Ceiling Bow Tie
$48.00
Kids K Train Baseball Hat
$24.00