Why This Guide Exists
Traveling while Black in America has never been without risk. From sundown towns to racial profiling during traffic stops, the challenges are real, documented, and ongoing. The Negro Motorist Green Book (1936–1966) helped generations of Black travelers navigate these dangers safely. NorthStar is its GPS-era successor.
This guide covers everything you need: pre-trip planning, using technology, what to do in difficult situations, and how to build a community-supported travel network.
Before You Leave: Pre-Trip Checklist
- Open NorthStar and check your route for flagged sundown town zones
- Identify Black-owned gas stations, restaurants, and lodging along your route
- Download offline maps for areas with poor cell coverage
- Share your route and ETA with a trusted contact
- Keep your car documentation (registration, insurance) easily accessible
- Charge your phone fully and pack a car charger
- Keep a written list of emergency contacts (in case phone is inaccessible)
- Know the non-emergency police number for your destination city
Using NorthStar GPS While Traveling
NorthStar is purpose-built for Black travelers. Here's how to get the most out of it:
Open the map and allow location access
Set your destination to see the full route
Check for sundown town flags along your path
Pin Black-owned safe stops for food and fuel
Enable voice alerts (subscription) for hands-free safety
Submit community reports at the end of your trip
Pro tip: Subscribe to NorthStar ($5/mo) to get real-time voice alerts as you approach documented sundown town zones — so you can plan your next move before you're in the middle of it.
Avoiding Sundown Towns
America still has thousands of documented sundown towns — communities with histories of racial exclusion enforced by law, covenant, or violence. While legal enforcement ended with the Civil Rights Act, the social legacy can persist.
How to identify them
- Use NorthStar's map — we track 2,400+ documented sundown towns with source citations
- Look for communities that are unusually racially homogeneous relative to their state
- Check recent community safety reports in NorthStar for current conditions
If you must drive through a flagged area
- Don't stop unless absolutely necessary
- Keep your gas tank above half before entering
- Have your destination clearly set in your GPS
- Keep your phone accessible but don't drive distracted
- Let someone know you're passing through and when to expect your next check-in
If You're Pulled Over
Traffic stops are among the highest-risk moments for Black motorists. Stay calm and follow these steps:
- Pull over promptly to a well-lit area if possible
- Keep hands visible on the steering wheel
- Don't reach for anything without telling the officer first: "My registration is in the glove box — may I reach for it?"
- Stay calm — comply with lawful orders even if you disagree
- Know you can refuse a search without probable cause: "I do not consent to a search"
- Record if safe — you have the right to record police interactions
- File a complaint later if rights were violated — don't escalate in the moment
📞 Emergency Resources: NAACP Legal Defense Fund: 1-800-626-8243 | ACLU Know Your Rights: aclu.org/know-your-rights | Innocence Project: innocenceproject.org
Finding Black-Owned Businesses Along Your Route
One of NorthStar's most practical features is helping you find Black-owned businesses along any route — not just at your destination.
- Gas stations: Find Black-owned fuel stops so your money supports the community
- Restaurants: Soul food, Caribbean, and Southern cuisine at Black-owned spots along I-95, I-85, I-20, and more
- Hotels & lodging: Black-owned B&Bs and inns in key travel corridors
- Emergency services: Black-owned mechanics, tire shops, and pharmacies for roadside emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Prepared. The Modern Green Book is Free.
GPS navigation built for the Black community. No signup required.
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