What happen with African American schools in the south?
History · Middle School · Mon Jan 18 2021
Answered on
In the South, particularly during the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws (late 19th century to mid-20th century), African American schools faced systemic discrimination and inequality. Here are some key aspects of the situation:
1. Segregation: Schools in the Southern United States were segregated based on race. African American students and white students attended separate schools, with African American schools receiving significantly fewer resources and inferior facilities compared to their white counterparts.
2. Inadequate Funding: African American schools were often underfunded, receiving fewer resources for infrastructure, teachers, and educational materials. This lack of funding resulted in overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and inadequate facilities.
3. Limited Educational Opportunities: The curriculum in African American schools was often limited, and students had fewer educational opportunities compared to white students. There were disparities in the quality of education, with African American schools lacking advanced courses and extracurricular activities.
4. Inequality in Teacher Salaries: Teachers in African American schools received lower salaries than their white counterparts, contributing to disparities in the quality of education. This wage gap made it challenging to attract and retain qualified teachers in African American schools.
5. Institutional Racism: The entire educational system was affected by institutional racism, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. Discriminatory policies and practices limited the educational achievements and opportunities for African American students.
It wasn't until the mid-20th century, with the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, that the legal basis for segregation in public schools was overturned. However, the process of desegregation was gradual and faced resistance, and it took additional efforts to address the ongoing challenges faced by African American students and schools in the South.