The Legacy

The Original Negro Motorist Green Book

The Negro Motorist Green Book or later edition, The Negro Travellers Green Book was created in 1936 by Victo Hugo Green, a United States Postal Service Worker. During this time, travel in America was increasing. African Americans were purchasing cars at a high rate and were now no longer restricted by the rules and embarrassment of public transportation. However, with this freedom came new dangers. Victor Green saw the need to provide a resource to the Black Community to help them travel with ease, comfort, and most importantly Safety.

The Green Book was an extensive list of Black owned businesses and white allied businesses. It was a guide that provided safe lodging options and places to eat for Black motorists on their travels. Throughout the book’s 30 year history, it expanded to include not only many parts of America, but also Canada, Mexico, and the Carribean. The title was changed in 1942 to the Negro Travellers Green Book to incorporate air and boat travel. 

The Green Book stopped publication in 1966 two years after the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 6 years after the passing of Victor Green. He wrote, in the First Edition Green Book, “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 rights and privileges in the United States.” 

While we are Still fighting for those rights daily almost 60 years later, we do appreciate the foundation that was built by Vicor Green and plan to continue this legacy through The Modern Green Book