Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1094881
B M & T ••• November/December 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 21 I n the early part of the twentieth century the Southern United States was ruled by harsh "Jim Crow" laws. During this period, the headlines in Black Newspapers across the country reported countless incidents of lynchings and mob violence targeting African-Americans, prompting a reported 6,000,000 Black Americans to venture from their desolate homes in the rural South to relocate to less hostile environments in Midwestern, Northern and even far Western states. In addition to any phys- ical belongings that they could take with them, they brought a rich culture, unique music, a tradition of flavorful food and a commitment for being, doing and having BETTER, that is thoroughly woven into the landscape in every part of this nation. These years introduced mass production of the AUTOMOBILE allowing Americans to travel with greater ease and flexibility than ever before. But for African-American motor travelers it brought a whole new set of dangers. Their very lives were in fact at risk when they ventured outside of their immediate home environment. Published Travel Guides such as the historic GREEN BOOK, a com- prehensive directory listing safe places where African-American travelers could find a room to sleep, food to eat, even service stations to get gaso- line or use public restroom facilities, allowed Black Travelers to venture on road trips across the coun- try. While the Original Green Book was primarily seen as a life-saving guide to provide Black travelers with resources needed to guarantee their safety and comfort, it was actually MUCH more than that. According to Calvin Ramsey, renowned GREEN BOOK historian, they were "books of Commerce." In addition to listings for lodg- ing, food and gasoline, these annual guides, featured Black-owned businesses and services from hair salons to dentist offices. These little green books were treasures for African-American economic growth, creating a unique system for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities and providing streams of revenue into African-American commu- nities throughout the country. CALVIN RAMSEY THE 1900's MIGRATION - BEYOND SEGREGATION A frican-Americans continued to leave the South in droves, seeking better lives and promise for future generations. Their travels took them to des- tinations that were considered to be more progressive. Especially appeal- ing were cities such as Detroit, Michigan, that now under the leadership of Metro Detroit CVB president and CEO, Larry Alexander remains a top draw for African- American travelers. LARRY ALEXANDER H opes were high for Blacks settling in the Pacific Region in places like Los Angeles and Lancaster, California, which today both have Tourism Divisions headed by well respected people of color; sea- soned industry giant, Ernie Wooden and promising, bright newcomer, Angela Clayborne, respectively. WOODWN EENEST CLAYBORNE ANGELA