Trailblazing Journey Recognized
Emeline King, the remarkable woman who shattered glass ceilings as Ford Motor Company’s first Black female car designer, has been honored with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Gold Award.
This recognition, bestowed upon her by President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, is a testament to King’s pioneering spirit and groundbreaking contributions to the automotive industry.
A Childhood Dream Realized
King’s journey to becoming a trailblazer in the male-dominated field of car design began in her childhood.
Her father, Earnest O. King Sr., a fabrication specialist at Ford, introduced her to the world of automobiles at a young age, fostering her love for cars, particularly the 1968 Ford Mustang.
“I loved to play with toy cars when I was a child. It was an insult to give me a doll,” King reminisced.
Defying Expectations and Breaking Barriers
Despite facing discouragement from some of her male instructors, who believed that car design was not a suitable career path for a woman, King remained undeterred.
With the unwavering support and mentorship of her father and a group of talented African American designers, modelers, and engineers at Ford, she pursued her dreams with unwavering determination.
In 1983, King’s perseverance paid off when she landed a job as a transportation designer at the Ford Design Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Over the course of her nearly 25-year career at Ford, King made numerous design contributions, including the interior components for the 1989 Thunderbird, the 1994 Mustang, and the 2004 Lincoln Aviator.
A Legacy of Inspiration
After an unexpected departure from Ford, King decided to share her remarkable story with the world through her autobiography, “What Do You Mean Black Girls Can’t Design Cars?” This book serves as a powerful inspiration for young girls and boys alike, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and never give up in the face of adversity.
“I’m now so proud to have written a book that I hope will inspire young girls and boys to never give up. To influence them so that they can stay focused and alert, and so they never look back,” King expressed.
The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Gold Award is a fitting recognition of King’s trailblazing journey and her unwavering determination to break down barriers in a field that had long been dominated by men. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, inspiring future generations to follow their passions and leave an indelible mark on the world.
