The Green Book

The Green Book centers around the cultural artifact of the same name. This small guidebook was used by African Americans throughout much of the 20th century to navigate the racial dangers of traveling through segregated America, listing hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses where Black travelers could expect to be treated with dignity.

Mahershala Ali portrays Dr. Don Shirley, a gifted African American pianist who embarks on a concert tour through the Deep South with his driver, Tony Lip, played by Viggo Mortensen. As the two men travel from city to city, they encounter the harsh realities of Jim Crow segregation, relying on The Negro Motorist Green Book to safely navigate a country that often celebrated Shirley’s extraordinary musical talent while denying him the basic rights afforded to white Americans.

Beyond the unlikely friendship that develops between Shirley and Tony, Green Book introduces many viewers to an important chapter of American history that is often overlooked. The film reminds us that for Black Americans, something as simple as taking a road trip required careful planning, courage, and the support of communities committed to helping one another travel safely through a deeply segregated nation.