Racial segregation in Black history refers to the systematic and institutionalized separation of African Americans from white Americans in various aspects of society, most notably in schools, housing, transportation, and public facilities. This practice, also known as Jim Crow segregation, was enforced primarily in the Southern states of the United States following the end of Reconstruction in the late 19th century and lasted until the mid-20th century.

During the era of segregation, African Americans were subjected to discriminatory laws and practices that relegated them to inferior status and denied them equal access to opportunities and resources. Schools were segregated, with Black children attending underfunded and substandard facilities compared to white children. Public transportation, restaurants, theaters, and other public spaces were also segregated, with Black individuals forced to use separate facilities designated for "colored" or risk facing violence and legal repercussions.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s played a pivotal role in challenging and dismantling the system of segregation. Landmark legal cases such as Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which declared school segregation unconstitutional, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation in public facilities, were instrumental in ending the legal framework of segregation.

Though legal segregation has been dismantled, its legacy continues to impact Black communities in various ways, including ongoing disparities in education, housing, and economic opportunities. The fight against segregation was a significant chapter in Black history, highlighting the resilience and determination of African Americans in the pursuit of equality and justice.