Racial segregation was a system of discrimination and segregation based on race that was prevalent in the United States, particularly in the Southern states, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This system enforced the separation of Black and White Americans in various aspects of daily life, including education, housing, public facilities, transportation, and employment.

One of the most infamous forms of segregation was the Jim Crow laws, which were state and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States. These laws mandated separate public facilities for Black and White citizens, such as segregated schools, restaurants, restrooms, theaters, and transportation.

Segregation not only divided communities along racial lines but also perpetuated systemic racism and inequality, limiting the opportunities and rights of Black Americans. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s sought to dismantle segregation and secure equal rights for all Americans, culminating in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation in public places and banned discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Despite the legal end of segregation, its legacy continues to impact society today, as disparities in education, employment, housing, and healthcare persist. Understanding the history of racial segregation is crucial in recognizing the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.