Q. refers to segregation that is mandated by law or government policy. This type of segregation was widespread in the southern United States during the Jim Crow era, where state and local laws enforced racial separation in schools, public facilities, transportation, and other areas of society. Examples of this segregation include laws requiring separate schools, buses, and drinking fountains for African Americans and whites. This segregation was legally sanctioned and enforced through the legal system, making it a fundamental aspect of racial discrimination in the United States.

The Jim Crow laws, named after a blackface character created in the 19th century, were a sanctioned system of oppression that flourished from the late 1800s until the civil rights movement of the 1960s. These laws not only enforced racial separation but also legitimized a range of discriminatory practices, from literacy tests to poll taxes, designed to disenfranchise African Americans. The era was marked by a cultural landscape where racial inequality was ingrained in everyday life, shaping social interactions and community dynamics. The dismantling of legal segregation was a monumental task that required immense courage and relentless activism. Milestones such as the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were crucial in this struggle. Social movements called for an end to discriminatory laws, prompting widespread protests and activism. The journey towards equality was filled with challenges, but it showcased the power of collective action in changing unjust policies.