Before 1954 the United States had segregation put in place in just about every public accommodation. Schools, bathrooms, seating at baseball games, and much more were separated into two sides, black and white. This was all the result of the infamous trial of Plessy V Ferguson and the start of "separate but equal."
Even after the result of the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery black people were no were close to the same level as white people. With the constant label of inferiority put on every African American, it was so difficult for them to raise their family in the world.
Anybody who was around these times could see that the two races were definitely separate but they were not equal. White people were still far superior during these times in almost every facet. Everything that was labeled 'white was far more properly kept and advanced than anything labeled for black people or during those times it was labeled "colored." Eventually, African-Americans had enough of it and started with their children in school.
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| Two drastically different water fountains labeled "white and "colored" |
Linda Brown was the name in the Brown V Board of Education trial which took place from 1951-1954 mostly in Topeka, Kansas. The petitioners fighting for desegregation argued on behalf of the equal protection clause. This made sense because the U.S was in a time of "separate but equal" and their argument was, that in terms of educational grounds both sides were far from equal. Deeming that this was also unconstitutional.
As stated, the white sides of things were always much neater and taken care of. Black schools at the time had horrible conditions on the inside and out. The schools rarely had desks and if they did there were not enough to accompany every student. The classrooms were insanely crowded with a horrible teacher-to-student ratio. Lastly, the government clearly funded the white schools much more.
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| The different classrooms of the two races |
Brown also argued that if the two races can fight in wars side by side then why can't they learn about it together. It was also stated that the whole Plessy V Ferguson argument was unconstitutional as well and that it should be redacted, and it eventually was.
The outcome of this trial was a unanimous violation of the 14th amendment and it ended segregation in schools in America. This also was during the Civil Rights Movement in America and it was a great stepping stone for it. Although things didn't get fixed right away it was still a very monumental trial and outcome for the black community in America
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| A breathtaking picture of a mother with her child on courthouse steps after the verdict was released from Brown V Board |
As most know the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 60s was a huge success for minorities in America. Though it was it still feels like things haven't changed in this country and that black people are still inferior. It seems like a problem that continues to get solved then nothing happens.
In the end, Plessy V Ferguson's verdict was the start of the horrible segregated times in America. Though the country made a correcting verdict in Brown V Board. Though it makes you think that this country tends to never learn from its history.
I found this case to be truly inspiring while also very depressing. The fact that so many different communities came together to end segregation is one of those few moments in American history that make you smile. However, you always have to think about how after slavery black people spent almost 100 years being horribly mistreated still. The abolishment of slavery still didn't solve the constant beating and mistreatment of the African American race. Brown V Board did not fully solve this either but it was a proud moment of getting there by starting the process of desegregation.
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