Why Esso Backed Black Travelers During Jim Crow

Why Esso Backed Black Travelers During Jim Crow

From One Mic Black History by Michael Motley jr

October 12, 2025 · 8 min · Season 9

About this episode

The episode discusses how Esso supported Black travelers during the Jim Crow era by providing resources like maps and credit.

On Jim Crow roads, the lifeline wasn’t a law, it was a gas station. Esso used maps, credit, and a nationwide dealer network to turn the Green Book into safe miles.Audio Onemichistory.comFollow me on Instagram: @onemic_historyFollow me on Substack: https://onemicblackhistorypodcast.substack.com/Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@onemic_historyPlease support our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=25697914Buy me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Countryboi2m

People in this episode

Host: Michael Motley jr

Topics covered

  • Jim Crow
  • Black travelers
  • Esso
  • Green Book
  • gas stations
  • historical support

Keywords

  • Esso
  • Jim Crow
  • Black travelers
  • Green Book
  • gas stations
  • historical support
  • travel safety

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Esso

Books & works: Green Book

Places: Jim Crow

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