Overview

Victor Hugo Green was an African-American postal carrier from Harlem; New York; who created and published The Negro Motorist Green Book (later The Negro Travelers' Green Book); an annual travel guide published from 1936 to 1966 that listed hotels; restaurants; gas stations; barbershops; beauty parlors; and other businesses that were safe for Black Americans to patronize during the Jim Crow era. The guide was created because Black travelers faced constant danger from sundown towns (communities that excluded African Americans through intimidation; violence; or law after dark); segregation laws; and hostile businesses that refused service. A wrong turn or a stop at the wrong establishment could result in arrest; violence; or death. Green; inspired by Jewish travel guides that identified safe establishments; used his extensive network of postal workers across the country to identify Black-friendly businesses. The Green Book became an essential survival tool for Black Americans; distributed through Esso (Standard Oil) gas stations; one of the few major oil companies that franchised to Black station owners. At its peak; the guide listed establishments in all 48 states; Washington D.C.; Canada; Mexico; the Caribbean; and parts of Africa. Green expressed hope that his publication would eventually become unnecessary; and indeed the guide ceased publication in 1966; two years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation in public accommodations. Green died in 1960; before seeing integration become law.

Key Affiliations

Controversies & Concerns

Related Investigations (1)

Known Associates & Connections

Sources & Documentation

2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports