Segregated education in Black history refers to the system of racial segregation in public schools that was prevalent in the United States until the mid-20th century. This system, also known as "separate but equal," was legalized by the 1896 Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld racial segregation under the doctrine that separate facilities for Black and white people were constitutionally permissible as long as they were equal.

In reality, Black schools were severely underfunded and lacked resources compared to white schools, leading to significant disparities in education quality. Black students faced overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, inadequate facilities, and lower teacher salaries. Despite these challenges, Black educators and students persevered and created rich academic and cultural traditions within segregated schools.

The fight against segregated education was a central aspect of the Civil Rights Movement, culminating in the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. This decision marked a significant victory in the struggle for educational equity and equality for Black students.

Although the legal barriers to segregated education were removed, de facto segregation and disparities in educational opportunities persist in many parts of the United States today. Understanding the history of segregated education is crucial to recognizing the ongoing challenges and working towards a more equitable and inclusive education system.