Racial discrimination has been a pervasive and harmful part of Black history for centuries. It has taken many forms, including slavery, segregation, and systemic racism.

Slavery was one of the most brutal and dehumanizing forms of racial discrimination experienced by Black people in America. For over two centuries, millions of Africans were forcibly enslaved and brought to the Americas, where they were subjected to extreme exploitation, violence, and degradation. The legacy of slavery continues to impact Black communities to this day, through cycles of poverty, inequality, and systemic racism.

After slavery was officially abolished with the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865, Black Americans continued to face discrimination in the form of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and denied Black people basic civil rights. Black individuals and communities were subjected to violence, harassment, and unequal treatment in education, employment, housing, and other aspects of life.

Even after the civil rights movement of the 1960s, which led to the dismantling of many overtly racist laws and practices, racial discrimination against Black people persisted in more subtle forms. Systemic racism, in the form of disparities in wealth, education, healthcare, and criminal justice, continues to disproportionately affect Black individuals and communities.

Despite these challenges, Black history is also a story of resilience, resistance, and triumph over adversity. Black activists and leaders have fought tirelessly for justice, equality, and civil rights, challenging the systems of discrimination and oppression that have held Black people back. The ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality is a central part of Black history, and it continues to be a vital and urgent issue in our society today.