What do Jim Crow laws refer to?

Jim Crow laws refer to a set of state and local statutes that were enacted in the United States, primarily in the South, from the late 19th century until the 1960s. These laws institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, particularly against African Americans. They created separate public facilities, schools, transportation systems, and even social interactions based on race, enforcing a system of racial hierarchy that favored white citizens over people of color.

The significance of Jim Crow laws lies in the way they codified systemic racism and upheld the principles of segregation after the Reconstruction era. This legal framework contributed to widespread social and economic disadvantages for African Americans and has had lasting impacts on American society. Understanding Jim Crow laws is crucial when analyzing the historical context of racial relations in the United States and the ongoing struggles against systemic inequality.