The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868, was a pivotal moment in Black history as it granted citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved African Americans. This amendment also prohibited states from denying any person within their jurisdiction "the equal protection of the laws" and "due process of law."

The 14th Amendment played a crucial role in shaping civil rights and equality for Black Americans by providing a legal foundation for challenging discriminatory laws and practices. It paved the way for landmark civil rights legislation and court decisions, including Brown v. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Despite its significance, the full promises of the 14th Amendment have not always been realized, and ongoing struggles for racial justice and equality continue to this day. Nonetheless, the 14th Amendment remains a cornerstone of civil rights protections in the United States and a key part of Black history.