Black Codes
Laws governing the conduct of free and freed African Americans
Real World Example
After the Civil War, black codes were laws enacted in Southern states to restrict the freedom of African Americans and ensure their availability as a cheap labor force. These laws were meant to maintain a social and economic system similar to slavery, despite the abolition of slavery through the 13th Amendment. The black codes responded to the Southern states' resistance to the new rights of freed people and their desire to maintain racial hierarchies. Today, the legacy of black codes is seen in ongoing racial discrimination and systemic inequalities in areas like employment and criminal justice. For instance, unfair hiring practices or racial profiling can be traced back to these historical roots, affecting the opportunities and treatment of people of color in society.
