Summary on segregation.

Because of the 13th amendment slavery was outlawed throughout the United States however
tension among both parties remained high. Racism was still intact among the hearts of many whites
who resented the decision to disband slavery. During this period slaves were a vital source of laborers
that were key in maintaining this Nations growing agricultural industry. To slave owners taking away
their slaves was in fact taking away their livelihood. Even though further steps through the 14th and 15th
amendment helped to further grant necessary rights for African Americans the coming years would
impose hardships based on the racial feelings at the time.
The most outward form of discrimination against African Americans during this time of American
History was in fact segregation. Segregation was authorized in behalf of the 1896 Plessy vs Ferguson
court case. The significance of this ruling allowed authorities to command people based on their race to
use specific public facilities that were assigned only for that race. This separate but equal facilities act is
known as segregation. The truth behind this act was that the public facilities designated for African
Americans were not actually as well kept as the facilities that non-African Americans used there for not
being entirely equal.
Segregation first took place in railroad cars. Next it made its way to streetcars then it quickly
encompassed all public facilities. All ages alike experienced segregation. Even at schools
kids had to be divided based on their race. In addition, Federal segregation issued by President Wilson
was lastly added dividing the government. As a way to combat this, discrimination African Americans
formed the NAACP and other civil rights organizations. In particular The National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People used people protest tactics in order to achieve rights for African
Americans. Forms of this peaceful protest include boycotts, sit-ins, and strikes.
A major figure in this fight against segregation was Martin Luther King Jr.. Through the SCLC
(Southern Christian Leadership Conference) he helped to give numerous encouraging speeches to rile
up change in the hearts of African Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. served as an excellent example in

advocating non-violent protest against segregation. Even after being arrested he still did his best to
reflect a resilient attitude and give strength to others through letter communication. After multiple
arrests Martin Luther King Jr. would inspire a willing spirit for others to also risk themselves in the effort.
of change.
Near the end, the major breakthrough in this struggle was the 1954 Brown vs Board of Topeka
court ruling. In this case Oliver L. Brown tried to enroll his child in the nearest school to him which was
seven blocks away. He however was denied because this school was for white children only and the next
closest school he could take his child to was over a mile away. The court favored Olivers side declaring it
unjust to make this man be burdened because of this law. The ruling then overturned the Plessy vs
Ferguson decision and removed segregation from schools and next segregation was being removed from
all public facilities. Although segregation was technically gone the years to follow would continue to
present hardships for African Americans because of their race. On the Brightside, with segregation gone
slowly but surely positive changes would continue to advance for African Americans.