life+in+Jim+Crow+America

**Right after the Civil War, the 14th Amendment was ratified. What did the 14th Amendment provide for African Americans? What does “due process” and “equal protection of the laws” mean?** ​ The Amendment was to grant citizenship to us, and protect the civil liberties of the freed slaved African Americans. Basically the whole thing is about equality to sum everything up. Of course many know that it is not how it went for most of us African Americans and it took a fight to bring peace. (had the rights from equal protection and basically the government should be colored blind when it comes to the law)
 * Unfortunately, your equal rights were challenged by the Supreme Court in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson. What do you remember about the facts, decision, and impact of this case?**

Because of the waiting room incident they decided that is was constitutional to have segregated facilites for blacks and whites as long as they were EQUAL, which this would impact a lot of hostile feelings and people thinking t hey were superior then us.


 * The laws developed in the South became known as Jim Crow laws. Who was this Jim Crow fellow? Did he write the laws?**

Jim Crow originally was an actor by the name of Thomas who was the first to wear black make up. He would appear on stage as the stereotypical African American man and went by the name of, yes, "JIM CROW." This then stuck throughout the 1800's to the mid 1960's or other known as as the Jim Crow laws. These laws were not written by Thomas but they did segregate us blacks from those whites and enforced it from big to small towns making ones life for a black harder than it already was.


 * What are some specific examples of the Jim Crow laws from southern states? How did the laws affect you?**

Seperate schools were provided for us coloreds and the white folks, we recieved different education even though it was all supposed to be the same. It wasn't that fact of the different education it was the fact of the unfairness, why wouldn't we even get a chance to learn at the same level? They just automatically assume that if you colored your ignorant. ** What did Jim Crow America look like in the 1900s? What are some images that can help explain the realities of the time? ** I could some Jim Crow America in one word......Segragation! Everything from benches to beaches were segregated. There were signs to remind us that we weren't good enough. One sign said no dogs, Negros, or Mexicans! Really, that was basically telling us without saying it that we weren't any better than a dog. The worst part it was just like the 20's with the big industrial boom except for right now it was the big racist boom and even the authorities or swore to defend our rights were against us giving us no protection whats so ever. **What happened in the Scottsboro Case? How did it make you feel as an African American in the South?**

In this case two white women were being wanton and to cover up their acts they blamed it on six innocent young african american boys. Some died in jail and some were freed but they had turned their lives inside out. This of course angered a lot of African Americans and there was a lot of comotion, many wanted to speak out but couldn't for many were to afraid. Personally I think it was wrong to falsely accuse some boys just to have the easy way out because you know people would believe you over them because of the color of your skin. They should have taken responsibility for their action. They might think we are stupid but one thing we have is pride and we are gallant which is the antonym of what those ladies were which are cowards.

**What do some of your friends and family say about life in Jim Crow America?** Personally I could just spit on the Jim Crow laws right now! They are stupid and unfair and personally selfish. If you think about it why did they bring us here if they didn't want to deal with us? Just leave us be and become the bigger person if you are so superior and learn to get along with everyone. I think allowing the KKK and other offensive groups to organize is wrong on the governments part and should stop this hazing before these hostile feelings between races rise to an all time high. Its hard, but we are strong and believe it or not we will fight and get our rights one day.