African american segregation

1996
united kingdom

African American segregation refers to the historical practice of segregating African Americans from white Americans in various aspects of society, most notably in the United States. Segregation was deeply rooted in systemic racism and was enforced through both formal laws and informal social norms.

The period of legalized segregation, known as the "Jim Crow" era, lasted from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. During this time, African Americans were subjected to unequal treatment and were separated from whites in public facilities such as schools, restaurants, theaters, and public transportation. They were often denied access to basic rights and services, including voting, employment, and housing.

Segregation was legally challenged in the mid-20th century, particularly through landmark Supreme Court cases like Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The Civil Rights Movement, led by prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr., fought against segregation and other forms of discrimination, eventually leading to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Although legal segregation has been abolished, the effects of this history continue to be felt today. Segregation has contributed to enduring socioeconomic disparities between African Americans and white Americans, including in areas like education, employment, healthcare, and criminal justice. Efforts to address these issues and promote racial equity and inclusion remain ongoing.

Further reading

Martinez M.L. (2016) "Neighborhood context and the development of African American Children", Neighborhood Context and the Development of African American Children, 1-153. Taylor and Francis Inc.. DOI: 10.4324/9781315790893

Iceland J. (2004) "Beyond Black and White Metropolitan residential segregation in multi ethnic America", Social Science Research, 33(2), pp. 248-271. Academic Press Inc.. DOI: 10.1016/S0049-089X(03)00056-5

Cashin S.D. (2001) "Middle class black suburbs and the state of integration: A post integrationist vision for metropolitan America", Cornell Law Review, 86(4), pp. 729-730. . DOI: [1]

Peach C. (1996) "Good segregation, bad segregation", Planning Perspectives, 11(4), pp. 379-398. . DOI: 10.1080/026654396364817