Jim Crow South: Lasting Impact on America Today

The era of the Jim Crow South, characterized by state and local laws, mandated racial segregation and disenfranchisement primarily against African Americans. These discriminatory practices, deeply embedded in the region's socio-political fabric, were enforced through various mechanisms, including voter suppression tactics which were used to undermine the Fifteenth Amendment. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), an organization established in 1909, emerged as a crucial advocate against these injustices, legally challenging discriminatory laws and advocating for equal rights. W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent sociologist and civil rights activist, provided intellectual and philosophical underpinnings to the struggle, emphasizing the need for immediate equality and challenging the gradualist approaches to racial progress. The consequences of the Jim Crow South extended far beyond its geographical boundaries, shaping American identity and influencing persistent racial disparities evident in various aspects of society today.

Image taken from the YouTube channel David Hoffman , from the video titled A Firsthand Account Of The Jim Crow South From Historian Who Lived It .

Seeds of Change: Setting the Stage for the American Civil Rights Movement

The American Civil Rights Movement, spanning from 1954 to 1968, stands as a pivotal era in the nation's history. It was a period defined by profound social upheaval and a relentless pursuit of equality.

To understand the movement's emergence, one must delve into the historical context that shaped its very foundation. The legacy of slavery, the complexities of Reconstruction, and the oppressive nature of Jim Crow laws all contributed to the deep-seated systemic inequalities faced by African Americans.

The Shadow of Slavery and Reconstruction

The institution of slavery, which persisted for centuries, left an indelible scar on the American psyche. The dehumanization and exploitation of enslaved Africans created a system of racial hierarchy. This system permeated every aspect of society.

Even after the Civil War and the formal abolition of slavery, the promises of Reconstruction—a period intended to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society—remained largely unfulfilled.

Political corruption, economic instability, and persistent racial prejudice hampered Reconstruction’s progress. The rise of white supremacist groups further undermined efforts to establish genuine equality.

The Entrenchment of Jim Crow

Following Reconstruction, the South entered an era defined by Jim Crow laws. These state and local statutes codified racial segregation. They effectively relegated African Americans to second-class citizenship.

Jim Crow laws encompassed a wide range of discriminatory practices. They dictated separate facilities for whites and blacks in schools, hospitals, transportation, and public spaces. These laws were designed to enforce racial separation and maintain white supremacy.

The impact of Jim Crow on African Americans was devastating. It denied them basic rights and opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, discrimination, and social marginalization. It also created a climate of fear and intimidation, in which acts of violence against African Americans often went unpunished.

Thesis: A Movement for Change

The American Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968), fueled by legal challenges, nonviolent direct action, and grassroots organizing, dismantled de jure segregation. It achieved landmark legislative victories. However, it did not fully eradicate systemic racism and its pervasive consequences.

The movement's impact on American society is undeniable. It forced the nation to confront its history of racial injustice and laid the groundwork for a more inclusive future. Yet, the struggle for true equality continues to this day. The seeds of change planted during the Civil Rights Movement continue to sprout and demand attention and action.

Legal Battles and Shifting Foundations: Challenging Segregation in the Courts

The fight for civil rights was not solely waged in the streets; it also unfolded within the hallowed halls of justice. Before the sit-ins and marches, legal challenges served as a critical, albeit often slow-moving, catalyst for change. This section examines the legal foundations that upheld segregation and the early legal challenges that sought to dismantle them, focusing on key Supreme Court cases and the instrumental role of legal organizations.

The Legal Entrenchment of Segregation: Plessy v. Ferguson

The Supreme Court's 1896 decision in Plessy v. Ferguson provided the legal underpinning for segregation for nearly six decades. The ruling established the "separate but equal" doctrine, which held that segregation was constitutional as long as the separate facilities provided for different races were equal in quality.

This doctrine, however, was a cruel fiction. In reality, facilities for African Americans were consistently inferior to those for whites, perpetuating a system of inequality and oppression.

Plessy v. Ferguson became a symbol of the legal entrenchment of racial discrimination and a formidable obstacle to the pursuit of civil rights.

Early Legal Challenges and the NAACP

Even in the face of the Plessy decision, the seeds of legal challenge were being sown. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), founded in 1909, emerged as a leading force in the fight for civil rights through legal action.

Spearheaded by brilliant legal minds like Thurgood Marshall, the NAACP strategically targeted segregation in education, housing, and voting rights. Their approach involved meticulous research, careful selection of cases, and unwavering commitment to challenging discriminatory laws.

Marshall, who would later become the first African American Supreme Court Justice, understood that the path to equality required dismantling the legal framework that upheld segregation.

Brown v. Board of Education: A Landmark Decision

The NAACP's relentless efforts culminated in the landmark Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education (1954). This case challenged the constitutionality of segregated public schools, arguing that "separate but equal" was inherently unequal in the context of education.

The Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice Earl Warren, unanimously ruled that state-sponsored segregation in public schools violated the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of equal protection under the law. Brown v. Board of Education effectively overturned Plessy v. Ferguson and declared that separate educational facilities were inherently unequal.

The Significance of Brown v. Board of Education

Brown v. Board of Education was a watershed moment in the Civil Rights Movement. It signaled a shift in the legal landscape and provided a powerful legal precedent for challenging segregation in other areas of American life.

The ruling galvanized the movement, emboldening activists and inspiring hope for a more just and equitable society.

Chief Justice Earl Warren's Role

Chief Justice Earl Warren played a crucial role in achieving a unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education. He skillfully navigated complex legal arguments and political pressures, persuading his fellow justices to overcome their reservations and embrace the principle of racial equality.

Warren's leadership ensured that the Court spoke with a unified voice, sending a clear message that segregation was no longer acceptable under the Constitution.

Resistance to Desegregation

Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, the South fiercely resisted desegregation. Governors like Orval Faubus of Arkansas and Strom Thurmond of South Carolina openly defied federal law, using state power to obstruct integration.

Faubus famously deployed the Arkansas National Guard to prevent African American students from entering Little Rock Central High School in 1957, forcing President Dwight D. Eisenhower to send in federal troops to enforce the Court's order.

Thurmond, a staunch segregationist, filibustered against civil rights legislation and vowed to maintain segregation at all costs.

Organized Resistance: White Citizens' Councils and the KKK

Resistance to desegregation was not limited to government officials. White Citizens' Councils, formed throughout the South, used economic intimidation and social pressure to maintain segregation and punish those who supported integration.

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a white supremacist organization, resorted to violence and terror to intimidate African Americans and their allies. Lynchings, bombings, and other acts of violence became all too common, creating an atmosphere of fear and oppression.

The legal victories achieved by the Civil Rights Movement were met with fierce resistance, highlighting the deep-seated racial animosity that permeated American society and the long, arduous struggle that lay ahead.

Taking to the Streets: Direct Action and Grassroots Mobilization

While legal victories chipped away at the edifice of segregation, the heart of the Civil Rights Movement beat strongest in the streets. Direct action and grassroots mobilization became the lifeblood of the struggle, transforming legal pronouncements into tangible social change. This section explores the diverse tactics employed by activists and organizations, highlighting how they mobilized communities and confronted segregation head-on through nonviolent means.

The Spark: Montgomery and the Power of Collective Action

The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) ignited the modern Civil Rights Movement, proving the power of collective resistance.

Rosa Parks' courageous refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus was not a spontaneous act but a carefully planned challenge to the city's discriminatory laws.

Her action, however, gained momentum and resulted in a mass action.

The year-long boycott, organized by the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA), demonstrated the economic power of the African American community and their unwavering commitment to equality. It also elevated Martin Luther King Jr. to national prominence, cementing his role as a leader in the burgeoning movement.

King and the Philosophy of Nonviolent Resistance

Martin Luther King Jr., drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, championed nonviolent resistance as a strategy for achieving social change.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which King founded, played a crucial role in organizing protests, training activists in nonviolent tactics, and advocating for civil rights legislation.

The SCLC's philosophy emphasized love, reconciliation, and moral persuasion, aiming to expose the injustice of segregation and appeal to the conscience of the nation.

However, nonviolence was not passive; it was a powerful form of confrontation that forced segregationists to reveal their brutality on a public stage.

Freedom Rides: Testing the Limits of Desegregation

In 1961, the Freedom Rides challenged segregation on interstate buses and in bus terminals, testing the Supreme Court's ruling that such segregation was unconstitutional.

Organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the Freedom Rides involved integrated groups of activists traveling through the South, facing violent opposition from white mobs and arrests by local authorities.

Figures like John Lewis, a young activist with SNCC, demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of danger, enduring beatings and imprisonment for their beliefs.

The Freedom Rides exposed the hypocrisy of the South's defiance of federal law and forced the Kennedy administration to intervene to protect the riders.

SNCC: Empowering Youth and Building from the Ground Up

The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) played a pivotal role in empowering young people and building grassroots movements in the South.

SNCC activists, often college students, engaged in voter registration drives, organized sit-ins at segregated lunch counters, and participated in other forms of direct action.

Their commitment to participatory democracy and community organizing helped to mobilize local communities and challenge the entrenched power structures of segregation.

SNCC's focus on empowering local leaders and building sustainable movements proved crucial to the long-term success of the Civil Rights Movement.

Local Heroes: The Unsung Architects of Change

While national figures like King and the Freedom Riders captured headlines, countless individuals worked tirelessly at the local level to advance the cause of civil rights.

Medgar Evers, the NAACP's field secretary in Mississippi, investigated racial violence, organized voter registration drives, and advocated for desegregation.

His assassination in 1963 made him a martyr for the movement and galvanized support for civil rights legislation.

Fannie Lou Hamer, a sharecropper from Mississippi, became a powerful voice for voting rights, sharing her personal experiences of discrimination and violence. Her unwavering determination and powerful testimony helped to persuade Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

These local heroes, often working in the face of intimidation and danger, were the unsung architects of change, laying the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement's success. They understood that lasting change required sustained effort and unwavering commitment at the grassroots level.

Confrontations and Escalation: The Struggle Intensifies

While legal victories chipped away at the edifice of segregation, and nonviolent direct action challenged its foundations, the Civil Rights Movement faced ever-increasing resistance. This resistance frequently manifested as brutal violence, exposing the deep-seated hatred and systemic oppression that African Americans endured. These confrontations, while tragic, served to galvanize public support and further expose the moral bankruptcy of segregation.

Birmingham: A Crucible of Conflict

Birmingham, Alabama, became a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement in 1963, largely due to the actions of its Public Safety Commissioner, Eugene "Bull" Connor. Connor's ruthless tactics against civil rights protestors, including the use of high-pressure fire hoses and police dogs, were broadcast across the nation.

The images of peaceful protestors, including children, being attacked shocked the conscience of many Americans. This display of state-sponsored violence underscored the urgent need for federal intervention to protect the rights of African Americans.

The events in Birmingham prompted President John F. Kennedy to introduce comprehensive civil rights legislation. He addressed the nation on June 11, 1963, declaring that the events in Birmingham highlighted a moral crisis.

George Wallace: Defiance Embodied

Another prominent figure in the resistance to civil rights was George Wallace, the Governor of Alabama. Wallace was an ardent segregationist who famously proclaimed, "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever."

His defiance of federal court orders, most notably his attempt to block the integration of the University of Alabama in June 1963, symbolized the deep-seated opposition to racial equality in the South.

Wallace's actions, while condemned by many, resonated with a significant segment of the white population in the South, highlighting the pervasive nature of racial prejudice.

The March on Washington: A Moment of Unity

In August 1963, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom brought together hundreds of thousands of people to demand civil and economic rights for African Americans.

It was at this march that Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, articulating a vision of a nation where individuals would be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.

The March on Washington represented a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, demonstrating the power of collective action and the growing national consensus for civil rights reform.

Mississippi Burning: The Price of Progress

The summer of 1964, known as "Freedom Summer," saw an influx of civil rights activists into Mississippi to register African American voters. This initiative was met with violent resistance.

The murders of three civil rights workers – James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner – became known as the "Mississippi Burning" case. These deaths exposed the extreme violence and lawlessness that civil rights workers faced in the South.

The investigation into the murders, though initially hampered by local authorities, eventually led to the conviction of several individuals, shining a light on the systemic racism that permeated the region.

Selma to Montgomery: A Bloody Path to Voting Rights

In 1965, civil rights activists organized a series of marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to protest the denial of voting rights to African Americans.

The first march, on March 7, 1965, was met with brutal violence by state troopers and local law enforcement officers, resulting in what became known as "Bloody Sunday."

The televised images of the violence shocked the nation and galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The subsequent marches, under federal protection, successfully reached Montgomery, demonstrating the determination of the Civil Rights Movement to secure voting rights for all Americans.

Emmett Till: A Catalyst for Change

Though occurring before the period typically defined as the Civil Rights Movement, the 1955 murder of Emmett Till served as a crucial catalyst.

Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy, was brutally murdered in Mississippi after allegedly whistling at a white woman. His mother's decision to have an open-casket funeral, displaying the horrific injuries inflicted upon her son, brought the reality of racial violence into the homes of Americans across the nation.

The acquittal of Till's murderers by an all-white jury sparked outrage and fueled the growing momentum for civil rights. Emmett Till's death became a symbol of the injustice and brutality faced by African Americans in the South, inspiring a new generation of activists to join the fight for equality.

Legislative Triumphs: Landmark Laws and the Dismantling of De Jure Segregation

While legal victories chipped away at the edifice of segregation, and nonviolent direct action challenged its foundations, the Civil Rights Movement's most enduring impact lies in its legislative achievements. These landmark laws, forged in the crucible of protest and political maneuvering, irrevocably altered the legal landscape of the United States, dismantling de jure segregation and enshrining principles of equality into federal law. However, the passage of these laws was not merely a formality. It was the culmination of years of struggle and the beginning of a new chapter in the fight for racial justice.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Watershed Moment

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 stands as a cornerstone of the movement, representing a monumental victory against institutionalized discrimination. This sweeping legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

It impacted employment, public accommodations, and federally funded programs. The act was a direct assault on the Jim Crow South, finally dismantling the legal framework that had sustained racial segregation for generations.

Title VII of the Act created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC was essential for enforcing the law's provisions against workplace discrimination. This provision, however, has been subject to various interpretations and challenges over the years, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in ensuring equal opportunity.

Despite its groundbreaking nature, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 faced immediate resistance. Many businesses and institutions in the South openly defied its provisions, leading to protracted legal battles and continued civil rights activism. The Act's success was not automatic, it required sustained enforcement and a commitment to upholding its principles.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965: Securing the Ballot

Recognizing that the right to vote is fundamental to a functioning democracy, the Civil Rights Movement made securing voting rights a central objective. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 stands as a powerful testament to this effort.

The act specifically targeted discriminatory practices that had historically disenfranchised African American voters. Literacy tests, poll taxes, and other insidious tactics were effectively outlawed.

Furthermore, the Act authorized federal oversight of elections in areas with a history of voter discrimination, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of race, had equal access to the ballot box. This federal oversight proved crucial in dismantling the systematic disenfranchisement that had plagued the South for decades.

The Voting Rights Act led to a dramatic increase in African American voter registration and participation. This influx of voters empowered African American communities and shifted the political landscape of the South.

Despite its initial success, the Voting Rights Act has faced challenges in recent years, including Supreme Court decisions that weakened its enforcement mechanisms. The Shelby County v. Holder decision in 2013, for example, removed the preclearance requirement for certain states. This has led to concerns about renewed efforts to suppress minority voting.

The Fair Housing Act of 1968: Addressing Residential Segregation

Residential segregation has long been a pervasive feature of American society. It perpetuates inequalities and limits opportunities for marginalized communities. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 sought to address this issue by prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing.

The act made it illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This act also applies to families with children.

While the Fair Housing Act represented a significant step forward, its effectiveness has been limited by persistent discriminatory practices and systemic inequalities. Redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and exclusionary zoning policies continue to contribute to residential segregation and limit access to affordable housing for many Americans.

The Limits of Legislation: De Jure vs. De Facto Segregation

It is essential to acknowledge that while these landmark laws effectively dismantled de jure segregation, they did not fully eradicate the pervasive effects of racism. De facto segregation, arising from historical patterns, economic disparities, and individual biases, continued to persist and continues to affect our society.

These laws provided a legal framework for equality, but they could not, on their own, change hearts and minds or undo the legacy of centuries of oppression. The struggle for racial justice requires not only legal reforms but also sustained efforts to address the underlying social and economic inequalities that perpetuate discrimination.

Shifting Sands: Challenges and Transformations within the Movement

Legislative Triumphs: Landmark Laws and the Dismantling of De Jure Segregation. While legal victories chipped away at the edifice of segregation, and nonviolent direct action challenged its foundations, the Civil Rights Movement's most enduring impact lies in its legislative achievements. These landmark laws, forged in the crucible of protest and political maneuvering, sought to create a more just and equitable society. However, even as these victories were celebrated, a new wave of challenges began to emerge from within the movement itself, signaling a shift in strategies and ideologies that would reshape the landscape of the struggle for racial equality.

The late 1960s marked a period of significant transformation within the Civil Rights Movement.

While the early years focused on dismantling de jure segregation through legal and nonviolent means, the persistence of de facto segregation, economic inequality, and racial violence led to growing frustration and a reevaluation of goals and tactics.

This period witnessed the rise of the Black Power movement, urban unrest, and a diversification of approaches to achieving Black liberation.

The Rise of Black Power

The Black Power movement emerged as a response to the perceived limitations of the mainstream Civil Rights Movement.

While integration and nonviolence remained central tenets for some, others argued that these approaches failed to address the deep-seated systemic issues that perpetuated racial inequality.

Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam, articulated a powerful critique of white supremacy and advocated for Black self-determination and empowerment.

His message resonated with many African Americans who felt alienated by the slow pace of change and the continued prevalence of racism in American society.

Malcolm X's assassination in 1965 only amplified his influence, solidifying his status as a martyr for the cause of Black liberation.

The Black Panther Party: Revolutionary Nationalism and Community Empowerment

The Black Panther Party, founded in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, represented a more radical expression of Black Power.

The Panthers advocated for self-defense, community control, and revolutionary change.

They gained national attention for their armed patrols of Oakland, California, aimed at protecting Black residents from police brutality.

Beyond their militant image, the Black Panthers also implemented a range of community programs, including free breakfast programs for children, health clinics, and legal aid services.

These initiatives demonstrated a commitment to addressing the immediate needs of Black communities and building a foundation for self-sufficiency.

Urban Unrest and the Kerner Report

The late 1960s were also marked by a wave of urban unrest and riots in cities across the United States.

These uprisings were often sparked by incidents of police brutality or racial discrimination, reflecting the deep-seated frustrations of African Americans living in impoverished and segregated communities.

The Kerner Commission, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the causes of the riots, concluded that "our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal."

The Commission's report highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive social and economic reforms to address the root causes of urban unrest.

The Orangeburg Massacre: A Forgotten Tragedy

The Orangeburg Massacre, which occurred on February 8, 1968, at South Carolina State University, remains a stark reminder of the continued racial violence and suppression faced by African Americans.

During a protest against segregation at a local bowling alley, state highway patrol officers opened fire on a crowd of unarmed students, killing three and injuring dozens more.

The Orangeburg Massacre received relatively little national attention at the time, symbolizing the persistent marginalization of Black lives and experiences in American society.

The event serves as a potent reminder that the struggle for racial equality often came at a tremendous cost, and that the fight for justice is far from over.

A Legacy of Inequality: Persistent Issues and the Unfinished Struggle

Shifting Sands: Challenges and Transformations within the Movement Legislative Triumphs: Landmark Laws and the Dismantling of De Jure Segregation. While legal victories chipped away at the edifice of segregation, and nonviolent direct action challenged its foundations, the Civil Rights Movement's most enduring impact lies in its legislative achievements. Yet, despite these significant advancements, the struggle for true racial equality remains an unfinished project in American society. The insidious legacy of systemic inequality continues to manifest in various forms, perpetuating disparities across housing, economics, and the criminal justice system.

The Enduring Impact of Redlining

Redlining, a discriminatory practice that denied services to residents of specific neighborhoods based on race or ethnicity, has had a lasting and detrimental impact on housing and economic disparities. These historically marginalized areas often faced limited access to mortgages, insurance, and other essential services, hindering their ability to accumulate wealth and improve living conditions.

The consequences of redlining reverberate to this day, with many of these communities still grappling with lower property values, underfunded schools, and limited economic opportunities. This creates a cycle of disadvantage that is difficult to break, underscoring the enduring impact of discriminatory housing policies.

Systemic Racism: A Pervasive Reality

Systemic racism, a concept that encompasses the interconnected and self-perpetuating nature of racial bias across institutions and social structures, remains a significant barrier to racial equality. It operates through policies, practices, and attitudes that, intentionally or unintentionally, disadvantage people of color.

This can manifest in various forms, from biased algorithms in hiring processes to discriminatory practices in healthcare. Addressing systemic racism requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles inequality at its roots, dismantling the structures that perpetuate racial disparities.

The Evolution of Racial Violence

Racial violence in the United States has evolved over time, transitioning from overt acts of terrorism during the Jim Crow era to more subtle but equally damaging forms of violence today.

Police brutality against people of color remains a persistent issue, sparking widespread protests and calls for police reform. The rise of white supremacist groups and the increasing polarization of society also contribute to a climate of racial tension and violence. Addressing this requires a commitment to justice, accountability, and a willingness to confront the historical roots of racial animosity.

Sundown Towns: Echoes of Exclusion

Sundown towns, communities that historically excluded people of color after dark through discriminatory laws, intimidation, or violence, represent a dark chapter in American history. While many of these towns no longer have explicit policies of exclusion, the legacy of discrimination continues to shape their social fabric.

Subtle forms of prejudice and exclusion may still persist, creating an unwelcoming environment for people of color. Understanding the history of sundown towns is crucial for acknowledging the enduring impact of racial exclusion on American communities.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration

The phenomenon of the "New Jim Crow," as described by Michelle Alexander, refers to the mass incarceration of African Americans and its disproportionate impact on communities of color. This system of mass incarceration has created a new form of racial caste, limiting opportunities for employment, housing, and education for those with criminal records.

The War on Drugs, mandatory minimum sentencing laws, and racial profiling have all contributed to the explosion of the prison population, particularly among African Americans. Reforming the criminal justice system and addressing the root causes of crime are essential for dismantling this modern-day form of racial control.

Ultimately, the pursuit of racial justice requires a sustained commitment to dismantling systemic inequalities and creating a society where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their race or ethnicity. This demands not only legal reforms but also a fundamental shift in attitudes and beliefs, fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.

Video: Jim Crow South: Lasting Impact on America Today

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So, when we talk about the Jim Crow South, it's easy to think of it as a dusty history lesson. But the truth is, the echoes of those discriminatory laws and social norms are still felt in our communities today. Understanding that legacy – how the Jim Crow South shaped our institutions and individual biases – is crucial if we want to build a truly equitable future for everyone.