Walkabout With Wheels Blog: April 2024

Monday, April 29, 2024

The Green Book Exhibit @ The Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum in Atlanta, Georgia

The Museum is hosting The Negro Motorist Green Book Exhibit.

The 2018 film,The Green Book introduced Americans to the planning and the obstacles that Black Americans experienced while traveling by car in early through mid 20th Century.

Since The Plessy v Ferguson Supreme Court Decision in 1896, "separate but equal accommodations" for races was established in the Law. Southern States enforced Jim Crow Laws, segregating services for Blacks in their communities. Sundown Towns across the country used discriminatory laws and threats of violence to keep minorities out of their communities. Traveling in the North was complicated by subtle racism. Many towns, cities, and businesses in the West did not serve Black Customers.

Victor Green, a New York City

Postal Worker, inspired by

The Jewish Vacation Guide,

started compiling lists of

service for Black Travelers.

He published The Negro Motorist

Green-Book in 1937.

It was printed from 1937 - 1967.

The Guide included Hotels, Motels, Restaurants, Esso Gas Stations, Outdoor Attractions, Entertainment Venues, etc.

Everyone had one...

And you always kept it in the car.

In 1934 Esso hired James A. Jackson, a

Black man, to research the role & impact

of African American Consumers.

Based on Jackson's research, Esso Gas Stations welcomed Black Travelers, and started distributing The Green Book in 1949.

The Harlem Neighborhood in New York City was a haven for Black Americans. Its vibrant Arts Scene, Clubs, and Black owned businesses welcomed Tourists.

Smalls Paradise

The Savoy

Mementos from The Savoy

& Smalls Paradise

Spending a day at the Beach, safely...

Carrs & Sparrows Beaches in

Maryland

Atlantic Beach in Myrtle Beach,

South Carolina was described as

"a kicking place."

Idlewild Resort in

Northwestern Michigan

hosted many families.

Alberta's Hotel & Snack Shop

in Springfield, Missouri was

a welcome sight for weary

drivers.

Half of the Counties along Route 66 were Sundown Communities, making this multi-day drive more risky than other regions of America. Many Western States did not have Anti Jim Crow Laws that ensured equal treatment of minority visitors.

The 1963-64 Edition included a special “Your Rights, Briefly Speaking” feature that listed state statutes related to discrimination in travel accommodations. “The Negro is only demanding what everyone else wants,” the article stressed, “what is guaranteed all citizens by the Constitution of the United States.”

Jack's Basket Room, owned by

Jack Jackson, the first Black

Heavyweight Boxing Champion,

served up lots of good food &

hosted Jazz Musicians.

Los Angeles, California

Murray's Dude Ranch in

Apple Valley, California

had a Pool, Tennis Courts,

& Riding Stables.

There's a lot more to learn at The Green Book Exhibit. Click on this link to learn more.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended discrimination in public spaces. As businesses came into compliance with this sweeping new Law, The Green Book became what Victor Green always hoped it would be... an unneeded Travel Guide.