Black racial segregation

Date and country of first publication

2007
United States

Definition

Black racial segregation refers to the practice of separating black individuals from individuals of other races in public facilities, housing, schools, or other social settings. This segregation was a common practice in the United States during the Jim Crow era, which refers to the period following the emancipation of slaves in the late 19th century until the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

During this time, black individuals faced numerous discriminatory laws and practices that sought to enforce racial segregation. These laws, known as Jim Crow laws, prohibited black individuals from accessing the same public facilities, such as schools, restaurants, parks, and public transportation, as white individuals.

Segregation was enforced through various means, such as separate facilities for black individuals and white individuals, the use of separate entrances, the requirement of separate seating arrangements, and the denial of employment opportunities or educational opportunities based on race.

Black racial segregation had significant negative impacts on black individuals and communities, as it created an environment of inequality and limited access to resources, opportunities, and social mobility. It also reinforced racial stereotypes and perpetuated a system of white supremacy.

The Civil Rights Movement, which gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, sought to challenge and dismantle racial segregation and promote equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race. The movement resulted in significant achievements, such as the desegregation of schools, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited racial discrimination and protected the rights of black individuals.

While legal racial segregation is no longer enforced, there are still concerns and discussions surrounding systemic racism and racial disparities in many aspects of society today.

Notes

At its current state, this definition has been generated by a Large Language Model (LLM) so far without review by an independent researcher or a member of the curating team of segregation experts that keep the Segregation Wiki online. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its reliability, completeness and timeliness. Please use this content with caution and verify information as needed. Also, feel free to improve on the definition as you see fit, including the use of references and other informational resources. We value your input in enhancing the quality and accuracy of the definitions of segregation forms collectively offered in the Segregation Wiki ©.

Further reading

Hutchinson G. (2007) "Introduction", The Cambridge Companion to the Harlem Renaissance, 1-10. Cambridge University Press. DOI: 10.1017/CCOL052185699X.001

Khari Brown R. (2011) "The connection between worship attendance and racial segregation attitudes among white and black Americans", Religions, 2(3), pp. 277-296. . DOI: 10.3390/rel2030277