The Era of Segregation
1877–1968
The years after the Civil War were both hopeful and worrisome for African Americans. With the end of slavery, Black Americans had hoped to attain full citizenship. Instead, they found themselves resisting a new form of discrimination—segregation.
Despite difficult challenges, African Americans created institutions and communities to help them survive and thrive. Through their struggle, they challenged the nation to live up to its ideals of freedom and equality.
Between 1865 and 1968, America redefined the meaning of democracy. Although the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments ended slavery and expanded civil rights, local and state governments passed Jim Crow laws to restrict new freedoms and separate people based on race. African Americans protested segregation while also building strong communities and institutions.
Part 01Creating a Segregated Society1876–1900
When Reconstruction ended in 1877, 90% of African Americans lived in the South. As white southerners regained political control in state and local governments, they passed new laws restricting African Americans. The new laws segregated Black and white people and condemned African Americans to an inferior and second-class citizenship. In response, African Americans created institutions that sustained their communities.
More to Come in Fall 2024
Family packed and headed north
The story continues. In the next part of the exhibit, we will explore how Segregation created hostile environments for Black communities through laws, social customs, and violence. It will cover how African American debated the best ways to gain equal rights and explore how Black people built their own communities and institutions to serve their needs.