Segregated education refers to the practice of segregating students based on race, primarily prevalent in the United States prior to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The landmark Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 declared state laws establishing separate public schools for Black and white students to be unconstitutional. This decision overturned the previous ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, which had allowed for "separate but equal" educational facilities.

Segregated education had a profound impact on Black students, as they were often provided with inferior resources, facilities, and educational opportunities compared to their white counterparts. Black schools were typically underfunded, overcrowded, and lacked essential resources such as textbooks, libraries, and fully qualified teachers. The curriculum in Black schools was often limited and did not provide the same level of quality education as white schools.

Despite these challenges, many Black educators and communities worked tirelessly to provide a supportive and empowering educational environment for Black students. Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) played a crucial role in educating Black students during the era of segregation, offering a nurturing space for academic and personal growth.

The fight against segregated education was a pivotal aspect of the broader Civil Rights Movement, as activists and leaders like Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. pushed for greater educational opportunities and equality for Black students. The legacy of segregated education continues to impact American society today, underscoring the ongoing struggle for educational equity and justice for all students.