Racism in the U.S. has long been explicit, evident in slavery, discriminatory laws, and speech. African Americans were legally classified as less than citizens until the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments abolished slavery and granted them rights. However, Southern backlash led to white supremacy groups like the KKK and Jim Crow laws, enforcing segregation under the false premise of “separate but equal.” These laws deprived African Americans of social and political rights, often through violence.  

While the Civil Rights Movement and efforts like Black Lives Matter curbed explicit racism, systemic racism persists, embedding discrimination within institutions that shape economic and social mobility. It is imperative that more people are aware of these pernicious institutions in order to promote lasting change.