The fascinating history of The Green Book, an annual guide established in 1936 by Victor Green, a Harlem postman, to assist African American travelers in navigating the challenges of segregation during the Jim Crow era, takes center stage in "The Negro Motorist Green Book." This thought-provoking exhibition has been curated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in partnership with the accomplished author, photographer, and cultural documentarian, Candacy Taylor. Generously sponsored by Exxon Mobil Corporation, this exhibition will be showcased at the Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery within the Holocaust Museum Houston from September 1 to November 26, 2023.

"The Negro Motorist Green Book" promises an immersive journey into the realities faced by African Americans traveling in mid-20th century America. It sheds light on how this annual guide became an invaluable resource for the burgeoning African American middle class. The exhibition will feature a rich array of artifacts, ranging from business signs and postcards to historical footage, photographs, and firsthand accounts. These elements combine to not only convey the apprehension experienced by African American travelers but also highlight their resilience, innovation, and elegance as they sought to embrace the full American experience. The exhibition also brings attention to the vibrant world of African American businesses, the emergence of a black leisure class in the United States, and the pivotal role played by The Green Book in facilitating the second wave of the Great Migration.

Published and distributed nationally until 1967, The Green Book provided African American travelers with crucial information about establishments such as restaurants, gas stations, and department stores that were welcoming and safe. In an era marred by Jim Crow laws and the presence of "sundown towns" where African Americans were explicitly prohibited from overnight stays, The Green Book was a lifeline, offering essential information and a sense of sanctuary.

"The Negro Motorist Green Book" is a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Candacy Taylor, made possible through the generous support of ExxonMobil. This exhibition promises to be an enlightening exploration of an important chapter in American history, shedding light on the resilience and resourcefulness of a community striving for equality and freedom during a challenging period.