Historically, the “Green Book,” also known by its full name, “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” was necessary for African Americans seeking safe travel information about lodging, eating and entertainment in a segregated South and racist America.Now, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest D.C. is remembering the Green Book and honoring the participating businesses in an exhibit on display through March 2.“The Negro Motorist Green Book,” is a beautifully organized two-part exhibition, with a virtual component as well, that honors the contributions of the guide both locally and nationally.
A vital resource used during the civil rights movement, the exhibition gives a national overview of how the guidebook was created, including maps, photos, and actual mementos.
The 1947 cover of “The Negro Motorist Green Book” when the guidebook cost .75 cents. (Courtesy of Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division, New York Public Library)The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service curated the national portion in collaboration with award-winning author, photographer and cultural documentarian Candacy Taylor.
“The Green Book in D.C.: A Particular Place for Particular People,” an accompanying exhibition, was produced by the D.C. Public Library (DCPL) to complement the national traveling exhibition. Monica Miller, DCPL exhibits coordinator, led the effort to review materials used in the D.C. portion. An eye-opening graphic about organizing a car trunk for family road trips appears in the exhibition.“For Black families, there was a particular method to pack your car when traveling by car,” said Miller. “There was a large ice chest for food and drinks because there were no drive-through fast food businesses, and you would probably not be served at a restaurant. Those items in your trunk were in addition to your luggage and other personal items.”
A Brilliant IdeaEnsuring that Black travelers could travel safely to where they were welcomed was how the “Green Book” began. Victor Green, a full-time mail carrier from the Sugar Hill section of Harlem, New York, began publishing the book in 1936. At the same time, the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, known today as ExxonMobil, was the only major retail distributor of the “Green Book” through its network of Esso stations. Esso also provided business opportunities for Black franchisees. Green worked with other postal workers to ask Black-owned businesses to advertise. That, and the collaboration with Esso, made the guidebook a success.“In 1936, that was an example of crowdsourcing. The ‘Green Book’ is what we know now as networking,” said Miller. “He was a brilliant marketer when you look at the exhibit, and he had some good, hard-working women in his office.”D.C. Businesses in the Green Book More than 150 businesses and organizations in the District were featured in the “Green Book,” including restaurants, entertainment venues, retailers, barber shops, and beauty salons.
The book cost less than $2 because Green, the creator, connected with his network through many states, and again, businesses paid for ads to be featured in that essential resource guide.Manager Dudley Johnson, with staff Marion T. White, Arthur Smith “Smitty,” and Leonard S. Coleman of the Black-owned Esso gas station in Newark, New Jersey (Date unknown). (Courtesy of Anthony M. Smith Sr.)Often, instead of hotels, Black people stayed in homes or large buildings that operated similar to homestay experiences that are common today. Visiting the exhibit, not only do visitors learn about the businesses and entrepreneurs in the guidebook, but fun facts related to D.C. history.Who knew Pearl Bailey lived in the Brookland neighborhood in Northeast D.C.? There is a photo of the entertainer with one of her three ex-husbands driving in their convertible — an actual star sighting for D.C. residents and visitors. From stories of the District’s past, to national history, DCPL encourages people to check out the exhibit, which includes interactive events, free tours and a virtual component.
“Discover how this guide helped Black travelers navigate mid-century America and celebrate a resilient community,” DCPL wrote on X.To visit and for more information, on “The Negro Motorist Green Book” exhibition, visit dclibrary.org. Also, visit a participating D.C. Public Library branch location to see a capsule exhibition of the Green Book.
Source: Washington Informer
