The Negro Motorist Green Book (at times styled The Negro Motorist Green-Book or titled The Negro Travelers' Green Book) was an annual guidebook for African-American roadtrippers, commonly referred to simply as the Green Book. It was originated and published by New York City mailman Victor Hugo Green from 1936 to 1966, during the era of Jim Crow laws, when open and often legally prescribed discrimination against non-whites was widespread. Although pervasive racial discrimination and black poverty limited car ownership, the emerging African-American middle class bought automobiles as soon as they could. In response, Green expanded the coverage in his book from
The play was fantastic. It gave so much history on how and why the Green Book came about. There were limited motels and hotels for Blacks.In many cases private homes offered rooms . Few people would be willing to take such a risk with strangers in their home in this day and time. But that was another era. These families showed compassion by providing a safe haven to travelers as they rested before continuing their journey.
In one scene the Davis' (the host family) is in a dilemma, when a Jewish man asks to lodge with them. Outwardly he is a white man and Jim Crow laws forbid the mixing of races. The visitor explains that he too is familiar with the Green Book and is thankful for it because many places will not allow Jews. This having been the case when he sought shelter at a hotel, he turned to the Green Book. The Davis' reluctantly agree to accommodate him.
Later during a heartfelt chat with one of the Green Book's salesmen, the Jewish visitor imparts the various turmoil he too has experienced as a holocaust victim.
At the end of the production, the audience was allowed a Q and A
with the cast and crew.
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| Cast and crew of The Green Book |
If you would like to see original copies and pages of the Green Book click the link.
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