Beyond the Green Book: The Evolution of Black Travel

Travel in the modern era for Black people has not always been simply stepping onto a plane, train, or automobile. Domestically, Black travelers in the past relied on tools like The Green Book, to show them routes with safe places to stop in the southern United States. After the abolishment of Jim Crow and the integration of rest stops, The Green Book fell out of use, but travel knowledge still depended on going to safe spaces. Internationally, Black travel to African and European countries has been a mixed bag. European countries have been seen as a reprieve from previous restrictive Jim Crow laws in the United States, and a chance to leave behind racism, but often are not as advertised. Travel to Africa has been seen as a return home, but issues across the continent make it difficult or hazardous to travel to. Still, travel for more opportunity, a better life, or simply to experience something new remains.

Take inspiration and idea from these titles in our collection on your next journey. As Black people continue to write about their experiences in the world, safe spaces can be shared.