The Green Book for African American Travelers: What You Need to Know

The Green Book was a guidebook published from 1936 to 1966 that listed businesses that were safe and welcoming for African American travelers. Despite its name, the book was not exclusively green; it was also printed in black and white.

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The Green Book: What is it?

The Green Book, formally known as The Negro Motorist Green Book, was an annual guidebook for African American roadtrippers published between 1936 and 1967. The book was essential for black motorists travelling through cities and states where Jim Crow laws were in effect, as it provided them with information on safe havens, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses that would serve them.

Though the book was published for decades, it began to lose its relevancy in the 1960s as the Civil Rights Movement picked up momentum and black travelers increasingly had more options for places to stay and eat. The last edition of The Green Book was published in 1967, and today it stands as a reminder of a time when black Americans had to plan their trips very carefully to ensure their safety.

The Green Book and African American Travel

The Green Book, also known as “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” was an annual guide published for African American travelers from 1936 to 1966. The book was created to help African American motorists avoid obstacles, such as segregated lodgings, restaurants, and gas stations, while traversing the United States.

In recent years, the book has resurfaced in popular culture as a reminder of the discrimination that African Americans faced during the Jim Crow era. While the book was a lifesaver for many travelers, it was not without its critics. Some accused the book of reinforcing racial stereotypes and promoting black subservience.

Despite its controversial nature, The Green Book served an important purpose for African American travelers during a time when racism was rampant in the United States.

The Green Book: A History

The Green Book, travel guide published (1936–67) by Victor H. Green that identified businesses that would accept African American customers.

Common in the United States during the segregation era (1896– 1954), such establishments served as Gathering places for Black Americans who were otherwise prohibited from patronizing White-owned businesses. The title of the guide referred to its green cover.

The first Green Book was published in 1936 by New York City mailman Victor H. Green. His motivation was twofold: to help African American motorists find services and establishments that would accept them, and to promote economic opportunities for Black-owned businesses.

During the Jim Crow era, many states passed laws mandating racial segregation in public places, including hotels, restaurants, theaters, and other entertainment venues. African Americans were relegated to second-class status and denied access to many public and private facilities. In response, Black entrepreneurs created their own businesses—restaurants, beauty parlors, gas stations, nightclubs, hotels—that catered exclusively to African American customers. The Green Book served as a directory for these “black only” businesses, which were often clustered together in neighborhoods known as “Black ghettos” or “Chocolate Cities.”

As Blacks began to challenge segregation laws in the courts during the 1950s, the number of black-only businesses dwindled, and with it the need for the Green Book. The publication ceased production in 1967.

The Significance of The Green Book

The Green Book, which was published from 1936 to 1966 and then again in 2018, was a travel guide for African American travelers during the era of Jim Crow laws. The book provided information on safe places for African Americans to eat, sleep, and find gas, as well as attractions and landmarks that were friendly to black travelers. While The Green Book is no longer necessary for travel, it is significant as a historical document of the racism of the time period and the resiliency of the African American community.

The Green Book and Travel Today

The Green Book, a guide for African American travelers published between 1936 and 1966, was essential forDirectory of Negro businesses, African American owned rooming houses, beauty parlors, restaurants, and gas stations that were safe for black people during the era of Jim Crow laws. The Green Book was created by a black postal worker named Victor H. Green.

Although Jim Crow laws have been outlawed for many years, the fight for racial equality is still an ongoing battle. While black people are now able to eat, stay, and travel wherever they please, there are still many businesses and neighborhoods that are segregated by race. As a result of this segregation, some black-owned businesses have emerged to meet the needs of black travelers.

Although The Green Book is no longer published, its spirit lives on in websites and apps like Negro Motorist Green-Book (an online directory of black-owned businesses), Black Travelers Connect (a social network for black travelers), Brown Girl Fly (a travel magazine for black women), and Soul Of America (a travel directory of black history sites).

If you’re planning a trip and want to support black-owned businesses, consult one of these 21st century green books before you hit the road.

The Green Book: Tips for Travelers

The Green Book, published from 1936 to 1966, was a guidebook for African American travelers that highlighted businesses that were friendly to them. It was created by Victor H. Green, a postal worker from New York City.

The book was a response to the increasing number of threats and incidents of violence against African Americans who were using public transportation or staying in white-owned hotels. The guide listed safe places for African American travelers to stay, eat, and gas up their cars. It also included advice on how to deal with the racism they would face on the road.

With the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ended segregation in public accommodations, the need for The Green Book diminished. It is now considered an important historical document of the Jim Crow era.

The Green Book: Resources for Travelers

The Green Book, published from 1936 to 1966, was an essential guide for African American travelers during the era of Jim Crow laws. Compiled by New York postal worker Victor H. Green, the annual publication listed safe places to stay, eat and gas up across the country.

While its listings were sometimes inaccurate or incomplete — and not all businesses listed were accepting of black patrons — the Green Book was an essential tool for black travelers looking to navigate a segregated nation.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the Green Book and its role in African American history. Here are some resources if you’re interested in learning more:

-The Green Book: A History. This website from the New York Public Library includes a timeline of the Green Book’s publication, as well as excerpts and listings from various editions.
-The Green Book Travel Guide. This 2017 book by Candacy Taylor offers a more in-depth look at the history of the Green Book and its legacy.
-Victor H. Green and The Negro Motorist Green-Book. This 2006 documentary film explores the life of Victor H. Green and features interviews with people who used the guidebook during their travels.

The Green Book: FAQs

The Green Book was a travel guide published from 1936 to 1966 that listed hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses that would accept African American patrons. The book was created in response to a need for safe traveling options for African American citizens, who were often subjected to discrimination and even violence when traveling through the United States.

The Green Book was essential for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era, and it continued to be used even after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made public segregation illegal. Here are some frequently asked questions about The Green Book.

What was The Green Book?
The Green Book was a travel guide published from 1936 to 1966 that listed hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses that would accept African American patrons.

Why was The Green Book created?
The Green Book was created in response to a need for safe traveling options for African American citizens, who were often subjected to discrimination and even violence when traveling through the United States.

Who used The Green Book?
African American travelers during the Jim Crow era used The Green Book to find safe places to stay and eat while on the road. Even after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made public segregation illegal, many Black travelers continued to use The Green Book.

What happened to The Green Book?
TheGreen Book stopped being published in 1966, but you can still find copies of it in libraries and online.

The Green Book: Further Reading

The Green Book was first published in 1936 by Victor H. Green, a mailman from Harlem, as a response to the challenges African American travelers faced when trying to find lodging and services while on the road. The book was updated annually until 1967, when it ceased publication.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in The Green Book, as well as a renewed appreciation for the African American experience of traveling during the Jim Crow era. If you’re interested in learning more about The Green Book and its impact on American society, we’ve compiled a list of further reading material for you below.

The Green Book: How You Can Help

The Green Book, otherwise known as “The Negro Motorist Green-Book,” was an annual publication that served as a guide for African American travelers during the era of Jim Crow laws.

African Americans were subject to discrimination and violence when travelling, and The Green Book provided them with information on places they could safely stay, eat, and gas up.

The book was published from 1936 to 1967, and its popularity increased during the Civil Rights Movement. It was last published in 1966.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in The Green Book, as it provides a glimpse into African American history and the Racial Divide that still exists in America today.

There are many ways you can help keep The Green Book’s legacy alive:

-Share your copies or reproduction copies with libraries, schools, or community groups.
-If you are a business owner, hang a copy of The Green Book in your establishment as a way to educate your customers about African American history.
-Write about The Green Book and share your article on social media or on your blog.