"The Negro Motorist Green Book" (called Green Book for the author's name) directed readers to lodging, dining and service options that would be friendly to black travelers, sometimes including private homes or out-of-the-way establishments that could be easily lost to disrepair or demolition without their past role on America's racial apartheid system being noted. (It was so sad that this happened at all.)
"One of the reasons we wanted to highlight the 'Green Book' sites is because of how much work still needs to be done," said Frank Butterfield, director of the group's Springfield office. "Initial research shows more than 250 sites from the 'Green Book' on Illinois, but how many of those remain is unclear. We really want to highlight the stories of those who visited or operated these places."
To that end, the group is asking for "citizen researchers" to help it take stock of the long list of locations. Some are likely to be in disrepair or even long gone, demolished by owners who might not have known they had the deed to a piece of history.
The process could be as simple as driving by a site near someone's house and reporting whether it is still standing and occupied. Anyone interested in aiding the project, or whom knows those whom operated or patronized "Green Book" businesses, is encouraged to reach out to Butterfield.
--RoadDog
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