Smithsonian's traveling Green Book exhibit opens in Jackson

JACKSON (AP) — A look at how African Americans traveled during the Jim Crow era in the U.S. is on display at the Two Mississippi Museums in downtown Jackson.

The Negro Motorist Green Book, a Smithsonian traveling exhibition, opened Saturday at the venue, which is part of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, a Smithsonian affiliate.

It includes artifacts from business signs and postcards to historic footage, images and firsthand accounts to convey not only the apprehension felt by Black travelers but also the resilience, innovation and elegance of people choosing to live a full American existence, officials said. Mississippi artifacts include items from the historic Riverside Hotel in Clarksdale and Hotel E.F. Young Jr. in Meridian.

Two Mississippi Museums director Pamela D.C. Junior said she was ecstatic to have the exhibit housed at the venue.

"During the Great Migration families moved across the U.S., thus the necessity to travel and visit relatives was born," Junior said. "Postal worker Victor Green, innovatively responded to this need with a roadmap of havens to eat, rest, and visit. This safety net was a key guide for people of color throughout the Jim Crow south and other parts of America."

Green's guidebook was published from 1936 to 1966 and was "an indispensable resource" for the nation's rising African American middle class, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History said in a news release.

The exhibition will run through Sunday, Sept. 25, in the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Exhibition Hall at the Two Mississippi Museums.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $8 for youth ages 4–22. Discounts are available for students, seniors, active duty military, veterans, and groups of ten or more. Admission for children under the age of three is free. Admission on Sunday is also free.

ONGOING

◆ On Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church located at 607 Hospital Road offers FREE gentle yoga classes. Please join us for exercise, meditation, and fellowship. For questions call 662-323-9340.

◆ The Peter's Rock Family Worship Center Church Of God In Christ is excited about the growth of our local city. Nevertheless, we are concerned about the needs in our local communities and overall city. We have been inspired and encouraged to reach out and address the needs of our community. Our church is hosting in–house Community Prayer every Friday @ 12 noon in our sanctuary. We take this opportunity to invite Community Leaders, Pastors, Educators, Parents, Christians, and concerned citizens to come and be a part of our in- house Community Prayer every Friday @ 12 noon. You can call our office @ 662-323-5119 or contact Mrs. Alfaye Brown, Coordinator @ 662-312-7860 to confirm your attendance and for more information.

JULY 11-13

◆ Antioch Church on 526 E. Gillespie Street will be holding its Community Noonday and Love Revival from July 11 to July 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sack lunches will be provided. To reserve your lunch, call Mary Smith at (662) 323-6618 by Friday, July 8.