How did racism manifest in the daily lives of African Americans during this period?

Racism manifested in African Americans' daily lives through segregation, discrimination, and violence during this period.

During this period, African Americans were subjected to systemic racism that permeated every aspect of their daily lives. One of the most prominent manifestations of this was segregation. The Jim Crow laws, enacted from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States. These laws dictated where African Americans could live, work, learn, and even where they could sit on a bus. They were forced to use separate and often inferior facilities, from schools and hospitals to restaurants and public toilets. This segregation was not only physical but also social, as interracial relationships were stigmatically viewed and legally prohibited in many states.

Discrimination was another way racism manifested in the daily lives of African Americans. They were often denied equal opportunities in employment, housing, and education. Even when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin, it was still a common practice. African Americans were frequently paid less than their white counterparts for the same work, had difficulty securing loans for homes, and were often denied admission to universities or steered towards lower-paying vocational courses.

Violence was also a grim reality for many African Americans. Racially motivated attacks, including lynchings, were a common occurrence. The Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist group, was particularly notorious for its violent acts against African Americans. These acts of violence were not only physical but also psychological, serving as a constant reminder of the racial hatred and prejudice that African Americans faced.

Moreover, racism was institutionalised in the criminal justice system. African Americans were disproportionately targeted by law enforcement and received harsher sentences than white individuals for the same crimes. This systemic bias against African Americans further perpetuated the cycle of poverty and marginalisation.

In conclusion, racism was deeply ingrained in the daily lives of African Americans during this period. It manifested in various forms, from segregation and discrimination to violence and institutional bias, profoundly affecting their social, economic, and personal lives.