DEI Book Club: Overground Railroad - 3/8, 7 pm

Norma Blanton, LWVS member and our discussion leader for Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America, has provided some questions to think about as you read this engaging book. They will guide our discussion of the book on March 8th.

Discussion Questions

1. The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, gas stations and other businesses that were open to Black Americans. What other functions did it provide for its readers?
2. What indignities did Black Americans face as they traveled?
3. The author credits Victor Green’s “vision, grit, creativity, and stamina” for the success of the Green Book. Do you believe that Victor Green should be considered a civil rights activist?
4. Why do you think the author used her stepfather’s experiences to help tell about the dangers of traveling for Black Americans? What lessons did she learn from him?
5. What specific difficulties did Black Americans face as they traveled Route 66? How do we see the lasting impact of “sundown towns” today in 2022?
6. What changes were reflected in the Green Book as Black Americans became more involved in the civil rights struggle of the 1960’s?
7. What is one image or story you read in this book that most impacted you concerning the struggles Black Americans faced during the years the Green Book was published?
8. Of the many sites mentioned from the Jim Crow era, very few of them are still in existence. Florida activist Georgia Ayers states, “We got what we wanted, but we lost what we had.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
9. The author makes connections between white supremacy and government policies such as redlining that impacted the lives of Black people. Have times changed or have they remained the same? What is the reason for your answer?

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