Segregation

Decades of Defiance: The Long Shadow of Segregation in American Schools

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WASHINGTON — In the lingering shadow of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 1954 decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional, a massive resistance against desegregation unfolded across America’s South. This resistance was marked by over 450 laws crafted to prevent, delay, or nullify the effects of desegregation, weaving a complex tapestry of defiance that sought to preserve a segregated way of life. Georgia’s Governor, Herman E. Talmadge, once a self-declared proponent of education for Black children, starkly opposed integration, … Read more

New Jersey Takes Bold Steps to Break Down Long-Standing School Segregation Barriers

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Trenton, NJ – In an initiative responding to deeply rooted racial and economic divisions in New Jersey’s educational system, state officials and local districts are advocating pioneering approaches aimed at dismantling the ongoing legacy of school segregation. This new wave of reforms comes as New Jersey, often revered for its high educational rankings, confronts the stark disparities in school demographics that have persisted, mirroring residential segregation across communities. Often, students find themselves in school environments that lack diversity, which are shown to affect educational outcomes and perpetuate socio-economic divides. The state is contemplating adjustments to … Read more

Boynton Beach City Repeals Century-Old Segregation Ordinances, Embracing Unity and Confronting Past Injustices

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BOYNTON BEACH, Florida – Boynton Beach city commissioners unanimously voted to repeal three segregation ordinances that were established a century ago. These ordinances, although not enforced for many years, once divided residential areas into white and African American districts. Mayor Ty Penserga described this repeal as “the ending of an unfortunate part of our history” and a “formal ending that was long overdue.” The two ordinances, created in 1924, established separate districts for white and African American residents within the town of Boynton. Additionally, a third ordinance known as a “Sundown” law was passed in … Read more

Exploring the Legacy of Jim Crow Laws: Teaching Kids about Racial Segregation in America

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New York City, New York – Teaching children about the Jim Crow laws era can be a challenging and emotionally charged task. However, it is essential to provide them with a basic understanding of this dark period in American history to prevent the repetition of past mistakes. In this article, we will explore the facts surrounding Jim Crow laws, the purpose behind them, their lasting legacy, and valuable teaching resources. Jim Crow laws were a set of statutes implemented by states and local areas in the United States to legalize racial segregation. These laws deprived … Read more