Lesson Topic 2: Jim Crow Laws

A black and white photo of a bus depot with a sign that says "Colored Waiting Room." Below the sign, a dark-skinned man wearing a white shirt, dark suspenders, and a white hat looks down. Jim Crow was the name of the racial caste system which operated primarily, but not exclusively in southern and border states, between 1877 and the mid-1960s. Jim Crow was more than a series of rigid anti-black laws. It was a way of life. Under Jim Crow, African Americans were relegated to the status of second-class citizens. Jim Crow represented the legitimization of anti-black racism.

Below is a list of key terms related to Jim Crow laws. Spend time reviewing these terms in order to help you better understand the material in this module.

Jim Crow: This term refers to a type of racial caste system and forced racial segregation that existed primarily, but not exclusively, in the Southern and Border States between 1877 and the mid-1960s. These laws tightly controlled social interactions between blacks and whites and as a result relegated African Americans to the status of second-class citizens. The effects of Jim Crow were most obvious in the separate public facilities for blacks and whites, such as restrooms, drinking fountains, and all forms of public transportation.
Color board: This was used to separate a bus or train cars into separate sections for blacks and whites. The bus driver or train conductor would move the board forward or backward depending on the number of white passengers. For example, as more white passengers boarded the bus or train the driver would move the board further back to make more room, leaving less room for black passengers and therefore, requiring more of them to stand.
Resistance: The act of striving to work against, to remain firm against, oppose or withstand force.
Segregation: To separate from others or from a main body or group, or to impose the separation of a race or class from the rest of society.
Working class: The social standing of people who are employed in low-wage positions that require physical labor and/or repetitive tasks.
Militant: An individual who chooses to engage in combative or aggressive behavior, especially for an ideal or cause.
Boycott: To abstain from buying something or dealing with someone as a form of protest.
Aryan supremacy: This is the ideology that whites are physically and intellectually superior to all other races. It became well known during World War II as the driving force behind Hitler’s annihilation of millions of European Jews.
“Separate but Equal”: The Supreme Court doctrine established in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896. In this precedent-setting case, the Supreme Court upheld the Louisiana “Separate Car Law” which created separate but equal train cars for blacks and whites. The doctrine made it legal for other states to extend this principle to other forms of public transportation and public facilities.
Oppression: To keep down by unjust use of force or authority, or to weigh heavily on the mind or spirit. It also means difficult to bear or burdensome, and can be used in reference to those who are tyrannical or are affected by tyranny.

View the following presentation for more information regarding the rise of Jim Crow laws.

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