Segregated education refers to the practice of separating Black and white students in schools based on race, which was prevalent in the United States for much of its history. The doctrine of "separate but equal" was upheld by the 1896 Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, allowing for the legal segregation of public facilities, including schools.

The segregation of schools had a detrimental impact on Black students, who were often given inferior resources, facilities, and quality of education compared to their white peers. Black schools were frequently underfunded, overcrowded, and lacked basic amenities, such as proper textbooks and supplies. Additionally, Black teachers were paid less than their white counterparts and had fewer opportunities for professional development.

Despite these challenges, many Black educators, parents, and activists fought against segregated education through legal challenges, grassroots organizing, and activism. One of the most famous examples of resistance to segregated education was the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, which declared that separate educational facilities were inherently unequal and unconstitutional. This decision marked a significant victory in the civil rights movement and paved the way for the desegregation of schools across the country.

The struggle for equal education for Black students continues to this day, as disparities in funding, resources, and educational outcomes persist in many schools and communities. Efforts to address these disparities include initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in schools, increase funding for underserved communities, and provide support for students facing barriers to academic success.