The Legacy of Jim Crow

THE LEGACY OF JIM CROW, part of the True History series, connects the past to the present in order to guide readers to a deeper understanding of racial oppression and inequality in the United States. Book editor and writer Clarence A. Haynes draws on the work of historians and other thinkers --highlighting the work of Black scholars whenever possible -- to present an informative overview of the history of racist laws and ideas that have been used to limit opportunities and restrict the freedom of Black Americans. Beginning with the painful legacy of racial slavery in North America, Haynes shows how the complex unfolding of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the era of segregation and discrimination known as Jim Crow laid the foundations for generations of unjust policies and discrimination in every part of American life. Topics covered include the racial wealth gap, mass incarceration, police and vigilante violence, housing discrimination, and the harmful impact of stereotypical representations of Black people in media. Each chapter also includes definitions of key terms, examples of important historical events, and inspiring stories of artists, entertainers, and activists who have contributed to the Black freedom struggle. An appendix includes an annotated guide to further reading and other resources for young readers to continue learning about these deep and critically important issues.