The Negro Motorist Green Book

The Negro Motorist Green Book was a groundbreaking guide that provided African American travelers with crucial information on safe places to stay, eat, and visit during the era of segregation in the United States. This essential resource, originally published from 1936 to 1966, offered a lifeline to black motorists navigating a deeply divided nation, helping them avoid the dangers and indignities of racism on the road. More than just a travel guide, The Negro Motorist Green Book stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and resistance in the face of oppression, offering a poignant glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the African American experience in the 20th century.

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Victor H. Green was an African American postal worker from Harlem, New York, who recognized the need for a travel guide catering to the specific needs and concerns of black motorists in the United States. Inspired by his own experiences and those of fellow African American travelers, Green compiled and published The Negro Motorist Green Book from 1936 to 1966. His work not only provided a practical resource for black travelers but also served as a catalyst for change, highlighting the injustices of segregation and fostering a sense of community and empowerment among African Americans.