Racial segregation was a system of legal and social inequality enforced by the government and society primarily in the United States from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. The segregation was based on race, with African Americans facing systemic discrimination and exclusion from various aspects of public life, including education, housing, employment, and public facilities.

One of the most well-known forms of segregation was Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States. These laws mandated separate facilities for Black and white people, leading to the creation of "whites only" and "colored only" spaces in schools, restaurants, restrooms, and public transportation.

Segregation had profound and lasting impacts on African Americans, limiting their opportunities for social and economic advancement and perpetuating systemic racism and inequality. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s was a pivotal moment in challenging and ending segregation, culminating in key legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Despite the legal end of segregation, its legacy continues to impact Black communities today, as systemic racism and inequality persist in various forms. Understanding the history of racial segregation is crucial in addressing ongoing racial disparities and working towards a more just and equitable society.