New Documentary Project Inspired By Popular 1930’s Travel Guide Series For African Americans

Nationwide — The Green Book Chronicles is a film inspired by Calvin A. Ramsey’s extensive research and creative projects focusing on the 1936-67 travel guide series, The Negro Motorist Green Book. It was published by Harlem-based U.S. Post Office letter carrier, Victor Hugo Green, between 1936 and 1967 as a travel guide for African-Americans during the days of Jim Crow laws.

In later years of publication, the Negro Motorist Green Book included international destinations and was renamed The Negro Travelers Green Book. This book listed the addresses of tourist homes, gas stations, restaurants, beauty parlors, and other establishments that welcomed African-Americans during times when many others did not. Even travel outside the deep South could be inconvenient, embarrassing, or even dangerous if you were not white. The books were available at ESSO gas stations and African American-friendly businesses, even including some white-owned establishments. Interestingly, there were no phone numbers listed in the book, only addresses, so patrons would simply show up and be invited in, somewhat like a 20th century Underground Railroad.

Co-produced by Calvin A. Ramsey, author of the award winning book Ruth and the Green Book, and Becky Wible Searles Director and Professor of Animation at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Atlanta, Ga, The Green Book Chronicles is currently in production as a one hour documentary. The live interviews, motion media, and animation segments in the film explores a range of personal experiences while traveling throughout both the United States and abroad before the Civil Rights Act became law in 1964. Victor Green is celebrated for transforming and enriching the lives of African Americans through travel.

The film, already featured in a recent New York Times article, is slated for completion in late 2016.

In order for the project to be successful, a crowd funding campaign was launched on December 1, 2015. The goal is to raise $60,000 by February 2016. Donations are being accepted online via Indiegogo (http://igg.me/at/green-book-chronicles/x/12864831). Private contributions are welcome.

For more information about the film, visit www.greenbookchronicles.com

Calvin A. Ramsey is available for interviews.

 

PRESS CONTACT:
Dr. V Payton George, givingblack@gmail.com
Dr. Michael Ragan, mragan@mrraganlaw.com