Plessy v Ferguson and Segregation: Crash Course Black American History #21

The United States Constitution is not a very detailed document. It lays out the basic structure of government, and the details are filled in with legislation and clarified and reinforced by court decisions. One of the most consequential Supreme Court decisions was the 1896 case of Plessy v Ferguson, which set the precedent that segregating people by race was acceptable. This meant that every public accommodation had the right to refuse to serve Black Americans and that even public institutions like schools could be segregated. While the decision did stipulate that the segregated accommodations be "separate but equal," the equal part of that equation was often left out.

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VIDEO SOURCES
James C. Cobb, “Segregating the New South: The Origins and Legacy of Plessy v. Ferguson,” 12 Georgia State University Law Review 1017 (2012).
Keith Medley, We As Freeman: Plessy V. Ferguson. Gretna, La. : Pelican Pub. Co., 2012.

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[sarapenn]

These videos have been so enlightening and educating. Black American history was mostly glossed over when I was in school, and most of what's being covered with this series was never mentioned; or barely acknowledged at best. Black American history IS American (and US) history and should be taught congruently, not just in US history, but in world history.

[jmhinnen]

I work as a carriage tour driver in the French Quarter of New Orleans. There's a public elementary school in the Quarter that was recently renamed in honor of Homer Plessy. Whenever I'm able, I use the school as a starting point to give a succinct summary of Plessy v. Ferguson.

[hunterGk]

The more I learn about American history, and current culture, the more I realise the problems of slavery never ended. I mean, it's still there, in the 13th amendment! But also in the mindset of far too many people. It's amazing to think that in 2007 I thought that racism was a thing of the past (yes, I'm aware of my privilege) but the internet has been massively educational in that respect. Thanks for adding to that education 🙏

[body]

Coolest black history teacher ive ever had. He literally creating a curriculum. Keep it up please

[LegoLordPro]

Now I have a much better understanding of 19th century Black American history because of this series.

[aaravpatil]

Thank you for making these videos! These subjects are often times not covered in school, so it's nice to see that someone is willing to teach others about this unsung history.

[visgrrl]

Justice Harlan's dissent is unexpectedly passionate and accurate. This is particularly true when you consider the fact that the justice was a white man from KY.

[drsingingeagle]

Thank you so much for your videos! I used to show them to my HBCU students all the time.

Let me know if you ever need a host for Native American Crash Course vids. My first PhD is in aboriginal anthropology and my second is in First Nations literature, although I am currently driving big-rigs.

Sigh! I do so much miss the classroom and my students!
😢

[RamboKingz]

70+ years of white supremacy being legalized... That should tell people, especially white people, that race is a topic of every day subject. And it should also tell them that white supremacy is rooted, not only in the legal system, but in everyday life

[uncrazy]

I’ve been learning many things from this series, I can’t wait for the next one!

[BrianTaylor]

I make it a point to follow every episode on this series and also share on my social media. Thanks

[paulbunyan]

One of the most shameful days in American judicial history...

[stephaniehendricks]

Cspan has a podcast called landmark cases about the Supreme Court. It is a very interesting podcast. It has plessy v ferguson as well as brown v board of education. It also has other interesting cases as well.

[sbccmichaelkelly]

Thank you Clint, I have tried to appreciate the full value of these twenty one videos. I have enjoyed the information and your delivery.

[BigBadTubaDudeCRA]

I obviously need to watch all of this crash course series now

[PuprleFox]

Great videos, this series is helping me review for some key concepts from my African American History after 1860 class

[johnmcclain]

We must learn from our past so not to repeat it.

[milkalucas-dominguez]

Crash Course is the best go to for understanding and getting through tough subjects.

[BriskyJam]

It’s crazy to think we want to explore the depths of the ocean and the darkness of outer space but still can’t find a way to live amongst each other here on the land of earth because the color of our skin

[milesjolly]

I’m white British and these videos are fascinating. I’m interested in these issues and want to educate myself further. Thank you Clint.