The Negro Motorist Green Book was first published in 1936 by Victor Hugo Green as a travel guide to help Black motorists navigate the discriminatory landscape of Jim Crow-era America. Initially focused on New York, the guide rapidly expanded nationwide, serving as a critical resource for the safety, dignity, and mobility of Black travelers for over 30 years. San Antonio is particularly notable within this context, as it has more than 100 Green Book sites, including lodging, beauty salons, cafés, nightclubs, and service stations. This extensive network of Black-owned and Black-friendly businesses highlights San Antonio’s significant contribution to the Green Book’s enduring legacy.
Green Book’s enduring legacy
