Traveling while Black was and continues to be dangerous. Anything could happen between the Klan, few places to eat, and sundown towns. Victor Green, a postal worker who loved to travel, wrote The Negro Motorist Green Book to let Black folks know which stops were safe.
Black entertainers were always in demand on stage, but not as guests in theaters, bars, and clubs. Denver and Sea Ferguson, siblings from Indianapolis, created the Chitlin' Circuit, a list of locales from the Upper Midwest to the East Coast that welcomed Black singers, dancers, and musicians.
Food insecurity is real, particularly in Black communities. In 2020, the Black Farmers Index was created to connect people directly to Black farmers. It breaks down the farms by region and state and is free to access.
Resources like The Black Nile App and the Buy Black List are more recent. They compile lists of companies, organizations, and vendors owned and operated by Black businesses. They aim to uplift and support Black creators and entrepreneurs across all economic sectors and offer alternatives to Amazon and similar retailers.
Despite systemic racism, we will always find ways to thrive and create spaces for ourselves. These are just a few examples of Black adaptability and determination to find a way forward, no matter what.