The Negro Motorist Green Book

The Negro Motorist Green Book was a travel guide published from 1936 to 1966 that provided African Americans with safe places to stay, eat, and find services during a time of widespread racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. It listed businesses that welcomed Black customers in various cities, helping travelers avoid unsafe or inaccessible establishments. The Green Book was an essential resource for Black motorists seeking freedom of movement and independence, offering information and reassurance in a hostile environment. Its existence highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of Black communities navigating systemic racism.