A guide for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era, this resource listed safe establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and gas stations throughout the state. For example, it might have highlighted a particular boarding house in Syracuse or a service station along the route to Niagara Falls where Black travelers could expect courteous and non-discriminatory service.
These guides were essential for navigating systemic racism and segregation, enabling safer and more dignified travel experiences. They provide a valuable historical lens for understanding the realities of racial discrimination in mid-20th-century America and the strategies employed by Black communities to overcome these challenges. The legacy of these publications continues to inform discussions on civil rights and social justice.