Victor H. Green

About the Author

Victor H. Green was a pioneering African American entrepreneur and civil rights advocate whose innovative work transformed travel for Black Americans during the era of segregation. Born in 1892 in Lynchburg, Virginia, Green moved to Harlem, New York, where he worked as a postal carrier and observed the challenges faced by motorists of color seeking safe accommodations. In 1936, he published the first edition of The Negro Motorist Green Book, a vital guide that listed Black-friendly businesses, hotels, and restaurants across the United States, empowering countless families to explore the country without fear. Over the next three decades, the annual guide became an indispensable resource, reflecting Green's commitment to equality and mobility. His legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and community support in the face of systemic racism.