The Negro Motorist Green Book was authored by Victor Hugo Green. The Green Book was a travel guide for black travelers during the Jim Crow era. The guide was published annually from 1936 – 1966. It was created for black travelers to find establishments that would welcome their business. The travel guide listed businesses in every state that would not turn black people away. By using the Green Book, blacks could avoid the “difficulties and embarrassment” of Jim Crow and segregation laws.
The introduction to the 1949 edition is revealing. It mentions how the inconveniences are many and are increasing for Negro travelers. Black people were traveling more individually and as a group. For example, there were black singers and musicians traveling across the country. There were families and church groups attending conventions. The need for black travelers to locate hotels, boarding houses, gas stations, and restaurants open to them was important. Many listings were private citizens offering rooms or “tourist homes” with a hot plate of food for sale. Additionally, the Green Book listed services such as beauty and barber shops, tailors, drug stores, and taxi-cabs. The Green Book could be used in other ways beyond travel with the inclusion of these other services.
It is unsaid that there was more than likely a safety factor in knowing where not to stop for food or gas. Blacks had to use the field to relieve themselves if there were no public Negro restrooms. They had to travel with their own food and water in case they were denied service at a diner. There were many “sun-down” cities and counties to avoid.
Unfortunately, there is still a need for travel advisories and guidebooks for black travelers. Blacks still face discrimination and targeting in hotels, coffee cafes, restaurants, and airplanes. In 2017, the NAACP issued a travel advisory against the entire state of Missouri. In addition, they also listed an advisory for American Airlines which was in effect for nine months. Perhaps we need an updated version of the Green Book for today’s black travelers.