Segregation is the separation and discrimination of different race, religion, ethnic group, sex, or social class in an area. Segregation was very common during the late 1800's. Blacks were separated at school, in restaurants and in sections of town. In 1866 the Jim Crow laws were created to stop slavery throughout the U.S. Blacks were charged at voting booths and most were too expensive for blacks to afford. The teaching of blacks was illegal and unheard of so most did not know how to read or write. This gave blacks less of an advantage when trying to become higher officials. The civil rights movement was founded in 1883 where blacks held meetings and led protests through large cities. Now because of the 13Th, 14Th, and 15Th amendments of the constitution segregation is illegal everywhere yet blacks are rarely high officials.


The issue of segregation is deplicted in the book I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings by Maya Angelou in many ways. Segregation is touched upon in many different parts of the book. The family lived in a mainly all black society and there was limited education, most children werent tought until an older age. When Maya grew up and lived in San Francisco her dream was to become a street car conductor.