Winter 2019 Educator Guide - The Green Book
Advocating for Freedom
In his article for this issue of New York Archives Magazine, David Layne explores how The Negro Motorist Green-Book “helped African Americans achieve greater freedom on the road pursuing leisure activities or economic opportunities” during the era of Jim Crow. The restrictions put in place during this time period made travel extremely dangerous for African Americans. Victor Hugo Green and George Smith made travel safer and more appealing until legalized discrimination ended with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Compelling Question: How did individuals create opportunities for African Americans during an era of legalized discrimination?
Setting the Stage
Show this video from pbslearningmedia.org and discuss the Robinsons’ experience with discrimination.
https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/jackierobinson-clip-honeymoon/ken-burns-jackie-robinson-clip-honeymoon/
Link to Full Article: Safe Travels
Document Analysis
Guided Reading Questions
1. Why was The Negro Motorist Green-Book created?
2. What did The Green-Book do for African Americans?
3. What were African Americans able to avoid when they used The Green-Book?
4. What was included in The Green-Book?
5. How was the guide arranged?
6. Where was The Green-Book most valuable?
7. How were the business listings developed?