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
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.






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Mementos from The Savoy
& Smalls Paradise
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spending a day at the Beach, safely...





 Northwestern Michigan
hosted many families.










 
 
 
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 Jackson, the first Black
Heavyweight Boxing Champion,
served up lots of good food &
hosted Jazz Musicians.






 
 
 
 
 
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.

No comments:

Post a Comment