The Green Book and its Effects on Black Communities and Racial Segregation in the United States

Abstract

The main focus of my thesis is on The Greek Book and how it affected the lives of African-Americans during the most difficult years of segregation, when Jim Crow laws were in effect. During that time, Black individuals were forced to use separate facilities, were refused to be served by white-owned businesses and discrimination followed their every footstep. However, The Green Book emerged as a lifeline for African-Americans, since it listed establishments that welcomed and catered for people of color. As a result, this handbook had a positive impact on Black mobility, encouraged the appearance of Black-owned businesses and enhanced social life among African-Americans, which aspects are further explored by my work. My thesis also demonstrates the dual nature of segregation—namely that the separation of races in all fields of life was an unjust practice, yet it facilitated the flourishing of Black businesses and social life with the help of The Green Book.