Editing American segregation (section)

===== Definition ===== 

American segregation refers to the system of racial separation and discrimination that was prevalent in the United States from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. It was based on the belief in the inferiority of African Americans and aimed to enforce racial boundaries and maintain white dominance in society.

Segregation laws, known as Jim Crow laws, were enacted in the Southern states and mandated separate facilities and services for African Americans and whites. This included separate schools, restaurants, drinking fountains, restrooms, public transportation, and even park benches. African Americans were also denied the right to vote through voting restrictions such as poll taxes and literacy tests.

The Civil Rights Movement, which gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, sought to end segregation and secure equal rights for African Americans. The movement included nonviolent protests, such as sit-ins and marches, led by notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. The landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were significant federal legislations that outlawed segregation and prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. These laws helped dismantle the legal basis for segregation and segregationist practices gradually lost their legal standing.

While segregation is no longer legally enforced, its legacy continues to affect American society. Racial disparities persist in areas such as housing, education, employment, and criminal justice. Efforts to promote racial equality and address the lingering effects of segregation are ongoing.