INDIANAPOLIS — Black travelers were often denied hotel rooms because of the color of their skin before the Civil Rights Act became law in 1964. The Green Book helped them find safe places to stay, which included the Severin Hotel.
The now-Omni Severin Hotel was listed alongside several other Indianapolis hotels in the Green Book, but it is the only one still standing.
"We are honored to represent all of the people who were represented in that book," said Omni Severin general manager Steve Quackenbush.
The Negro Motorists Green Book was published in 1966 to help Black tourists stay safe in the era of Jim Crow segregation and sundown towns. The National Park Service estimates more than 80 percent of the sites featured in the book are gone.
Only one former hotel site in Indianapolis even has a historical marker. The Senate Avenue YMCA site between Michigan Street and Indiana Avenue is now a parking lot.
The other Indianapolis hotel sites listed in the Green Book were:
- Indianapolis YMCA, 653 N. West Street. Now the Canal Court apartment complex.
- Hawaii Hotel (or Marquis Hotel), 406 Indiana Avenue. Now the Canal Overlook apartment complex.
- Harbour Hotel, 617 Illinois Avenue. Now a parking lot behind the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
- Ferguson Hotel, 1102 Capitol Avenue. Site now covered by Interstate 65.
Quackenbush said the Omni Severin is planning a way to honor the hotel's ties to the Green Book so travelers can learn about it.
"We want to honor the effort that was made to make travel safe back in a very challenging period in history," Quackenbush said.
-
I-465 northbound closed near East 71st Street due to semi fire
A semitruck fire on the northeast side of Indianapolis has shut down part of I-465 during the Friday morning rush.
Construction season kicks off in Indianapolis, neighbors ready for repairs
Road construction season has arrived in Indianapolis, and one project was being welcomed with open arms.
UAE reports drone and missile attack as Iran war ceasefire is challenged
The Iran war’s shaky ceasefire faces new challenges as the United Arab Emirates responded to Iranian missile and drone strikes
Bigger NCAA tournaments mean bigger brackets, too
The NCAA will expand its Division I basketball tournaments from 68 to 76 teams next season. The change isn't expected to radically disrupt the familiar bracket for most casual fans.
