“When growing up, I saw segregation. I saw racial discrimination. I saw those signs that said white men, colored men. White women, colored women. White waiting. And I didn't like it.” - John Lewis
The Jim Crow laws were very harmful to African Americans; however, they came to an end due to Freedom Riders, government legislature, and the National Association for Advancement of Colored People.
Government Legislature
- Civil Rights Act of 1964: all people are permitted the full and equal enjoyment of public services, housing, goods, and privileges.
- Voting Rights Act of 1965: This act prohibited the use of literacy test in 6 states and a number of countries in South Carolina.
- Fair Housing Act of 1968: prohibited discrimination that was involved with sale, rental, and financing of housing.
Nation Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- The NAACP’s principal tactics focused on lobbying and education to accomplish their goal.
- Brought multiple lawsuits to the court and many of their efforts went towards the creation of acts.
- Tried to make sure that black people had equal rights for housing, jobs, voting, transportation, and normal everyday activities for fun.
The Jim Crow laws had a negative impact on the lives of black people by restricting them from having equal rights. Without these important people, acts, and associations, the Jim Crow laws would still control equal rights and the American people would be completely divided.