Jim Crow Laws
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the concept of white supremacy was popular. During Reconstruction, most whites and many African Americans accepted racial segregation as a natural way of life of cially protected by Jim Crow laws. Jim Crow laws were passed to establish “sep- arate-but-equal” facilities (such as separate restrooms, water fountains, railroad cars, waiting rooms, lodging facilities, dining areas, and schools) for whites and for blacks. Although facilities for African Americans were separate, they were rarely equal to those of whites. African Americans protested the Jim Crow laws in public meetings throughout the nation.
West Virginia did not pass the harsh laws that were found in other states. In 1865, a school segregation act declared that at least thirty black children were needed to establish a separate school. Districts with fewer than thirty black students allowed the local school board to decide how to educate black students. In 1873, the number of black children needed for a separate school was changed from thirty to “greater than fteen.” Another statute passed in 1873 declared that the vital records (of marriages, births, and deaths) of blacks be kept in separate books.
West Virginia did not pass the harsh laws that were found in other states. In 1865, a school segregation act declared that at least thirty black children were needed to establish a separate school. Districts with fewer than thirty black students allowed the local school board to decide how to educate black students. In 1873, the number of black children needed for a separate school was changed from thirty to “greater than fteen.” Another statute passed in 1873 declared that the vital records (of marriages, births, and deaths) of blacks be kept in separate books.