Local group raising funds to place historical markers
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” Determination can express itself in different forms. Sometimes determination manifests itself on battlefields. Other times, the determined spirits work in the background, going almost unnoticed.
One piece of history almost unnoticed by society concerns the ways African Americans adapted to life under Jim Crow laws. Imagine you are part of an African American family making a trip. You realize that, along the way, you will not be welcomed into many segregated restaurants and will not be allowed to stay in most hotels. If you have car trouble, most white-run service stations will not be willing to repair your vehicle. How do you cope?
Many older African Americans do not have to imagine these situations. They lived them.
This lack of equality and fair treatment paired with entrepreneurial spirit created a solution for many traveling African Americans. From 1937 through 1966, the “Negro Motorist Green Boo” published a list of places that welcomed African American business, allowing them to receive necessary services without being subjected to discriminatory encounters.
This guide was a stopgap measure for dealing with segregation until segregation was only a memory to those who published the book. The 1948 edition of the guide ended its introduction with these words:
“There will be a day sometime in the near future when this guide will not have to be published. That is when we as a race will have equal opportunities and privileges in the United States. It will be a great day for us to suspend this publication for then we can go wherever we please, and without embarrassment.”
The Green Book mentioned four Kinston businesses that served the needs of African American motorists: Blue Bird Inn, a tavern located at 302 ½ S. Queen Street; Phillip’s Grill on 415 S. Queen Street; Mark’s Tourist Home at 105 W. South Street; and Dove’s Service Station at 205 E. South Street. Of those four, the buildings that housed Phillip’s Grill, Mark’s Tourist Home, and Dove's Service Station are still standing. Dove’s Service Station is still in business, operated by the son of the original owner, Milton Dove, Sr.
The African American Heritage Commission of Kinston and Lenoir County is raising money to erect a double-sided historical marker to commemorate these Kinston businesses that treated African American travelers with dignity and compassion. The commission is also contacting family members of the owners to document and share their stories.
This marker is just the first step in preserving history about the African American experience in this county.
“Unlike monuments which typically celebrate individuals, historical markers include the names of historical people while also revealing how they relate to these places and events,” wrote Sammy Aiken in an outreach letter. Aiken is the commission chairperson.
To accomplish these goals, the commission needs your help and support, especially financial support. Donor levels include Benefactor, $500 and up; Sponsor, $300 to $499; Patron, $100 to $299; and Contributor, $25 to $99. All donations are accepted and appreciated. Send donations to the AAHC of Kinston and Lenoir County, Inc., 2718 Hodges Road, Kinston, NC 28504. This commission is a 501(c)3 organization.
The unveiling of the historical marker for the Green Book business will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, at the 400 block of South Queen Street. After the unveiling, Dick Knight and Bill Meyers will perform at a concert in the African American Music Park. The Kinston Arts Council is sponsoring the performance.
Be a part of preserving our collective history through your financial support and by your presence at the marker unveiling. You will be joining what Gandhi called “determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission.”
Mike Parker is a columnist for Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.
