13 Feb 2025 3 min read Blog

Victor Hugo Green

Did you know the creator of the Green Book was a postal carrier based in Harlem named Victor Hugo Green?

Victor Hugo Green, the creator of the Green Book. Illustration by Alleanna Harris.

Did you know the creator of the Green Book was a postal carrier based in Harlem? His name was Victor Hugo Green.

Victor H. Green takes notes while on his postal route. Illustration by Alleanna Harris. — From the picture book Opening the Road, written by Keila V. Dawson.

During a time when taking a trip across the nation could be dangerous for Black Americans, Green crafted a guide that changed the lives of millions.

The Negro Motorist Green Book, from the picture book Opening the Road. Illustrated by Alleanna Harris. — Illustration of The Negro Motorist Green Book, written by Victor Hugo Green.

In the late 1930s when segregation was legal and Black Americans couldn't visit every establishment or travel everywhere they wanted to safely, a New Yorker named Victor Hugo Green decided to do something about it. Green wrote and published a guide that listed places where his fellow Black Americans could be safe in New York City. The guide sold like hot cakes!

Victor H. Green passes out Green Books to church goers in Harlem.

Soon customers started asking Green to make a guide to help them travel and vacation safely across the nation too. With the help of his mail carrier co-workers and the African American business community, Green's guide allowed millions of African Americans to travel safely and enjoy traveling across the nation.

A couple reads the Green Book at the side of the road while their kids wait in the car.

Opening the Road is the first picture book about the creation and distribution of The Green Book. Author Keila V. Dawson tells the story of the man behind it and how this travel guide opened the road for a safer, more equitable America. (Shout out to my Art Director Naomi Krueger and the team at Beaming Books!)