Racial Disparities

Veazy, Greene County, Georgia. The one-teacher Negro school in Veazy, south of Greensboro

Credit: Library of Congress

Essential Question:

What racial disparities existed in education before the Brown decision?


 

 

In 1896, the Supreme Court declared in Plessy v. Ferguson that segregation based on race did not violate the U.S. Constitution. In its decision, the Court established the “separate but equal” doctrine that allowed racial segregation as long as separate facilities were of equal quality. In actual practice, there were often significant disparities between facilities designated for White and Black citizens. When it came to segregated schools, Thurgood Marshall decided to take a trip to see the conditions in Black schools for himself.

Play the video clip to learn more about what Marshall witnessed during his visit to the South. Think about the following questions as you play the video:

  • What were some of the disparities Marshall noted during his trip?
  • In what ways would those disparities have impacted Black students and their communities?


Next, analyze the primary sources below that focus on school segregation. What information do the primary sources provide about the disparities between White and Black schools during segregation?

 

Use this primary source analysis tool to record your observations, questions, and reflections.