From: rhankins@library.tamu.edu
From: Earles,Phyllis [mailto:plearles@pvamu.edu]
The Negro Motorist Green Book is the subject of today's "Little-Known
Black History Fact."
The Negro Motorist Green Book was a publication released in 1936 that
served as a guide for African-American travelers. Because of the racist
conditions that existed from segregation, blacks needed a reference
manual to guide them to integrated or black-friendly establishments.
That's when they turned to "The Negro Motorist Green Book: An
International Travel Guide by activist Victor Green and presented by
the Esso Standard Oil Company. Originally provided to serve
Metropolitan New York, the book received such an alarming response, it
was spread throughout the country within one year. The catch phrase was
Now we can travel without embarrassment.
The Green Book often provided information on local tourist homes, which
were private residences owned by blacks and open to travelers. It was
especially helpful to blacks that traveled through sunset towns or
towns that publicly stated that blacks had to leave the town by sundown
or it would be cause for arrest. Also listed were hotels, barbershops,
beauty salons, restaurants, garages, liquor stores, ball parks and
taverns. It also provided a listing of the white-owned, black-friendly
locations for accommodations and food.
The publication was free, with a 10-cent cost of shipping. As interest
grew, the Green Book solicited salespersons nationwide to build its ad
sales.
Inside the pages of the Green Book were action photos of the various
locations, along with historical and background information for the
readers' review. Within the pages of the introduction, the guide
states, There will be a day sometime in the near future when this guide
will not have to be published. That is when we as a race will have
equal opportunities and privileges in the United States ."
The Green Book printed its last copy in 1964 after the passing of the
Civil Rights Act.
Here is the 1949 book in its entirety
CLICK BELOW
http://www.autolife.umd.umich.edu/Race/R_Casestudy/Negro_motorist_green_bk.htm
http://www.autolife.umd.umich.edu/Race/R_Casestudy/Negro_motorist_green_bk.htm>
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My first thought on this is how horrible. It is just horrible that anyone would have to create such a book. I know that at the time that book was necessary and that, to me, is the worst part about knowing this book was made. It was made because it was necessary for survival of a race. As far fetched as it sounds I believe that. I'm so glad that I live in this generation and not back in the 60's or earlier. I'm greatful for the ability to walk freely through out the town whether it be day or night and I'm also greatful for others, no matter the race, to be able to do the same.
ReplyDelete--Holly Osborne
I'm also in amazement to know this was even created! I do understand that it was made out of necessity and in effect probably saved a lot of lives but it pains me along with all the other travesties of racism. Although I'm well aware that racism rears its ugly head in today's society, I often wonder how I would have survived or reacted to the harsh, blatant racism of old! It's just my opinion but the African American community of our generation don't know how to stick together and look out for one another as our ancestors did, to overcome a terrible injustice. Today we get angry at something as simple as getting a scuff mark on the new Jordan's we recently bought and take a life. Our grandparents and great-grandparents endured a tough struggle in they're time and out of that some great leaders stepped forward...lets grow up people and honor them!
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