Law of Racism: The Legalization of Enslavement, Segregation, and Discrimination

Law of Racism is a synopsis of the legal statutes and societal actions that have created the environment that regulates the descendants of formerly enslaved to second class citizenship. Legislation, court rulings, and public initiatives have been in place for decades to 'ensure equality for all.' The events surrounding the murder of George Floyd have made us painfully aware that social injustice is part of the fabric of America.In 1862 the enslaved were emancipated after almost 250 years as chattel. The enslaved were property and had no rights. Immediately after emancipation, local authorities implemented various Black Code ordinances. Local and state Black Codes, in combination with the public policy detailed, when, where, and how the formerly enslaved people could live and work. The Black Codes were enforced jurisdiction by jurisdiction until 1896. The Plessey v Ferguson supreme court ruling, in 1896, made 'separate but equal' (Black Codes) federal law. Social, political, educational, and economic segregation was strictly enforced. The equal part of the court ruling was not only ignored, but legal and societal mores conspired to maintain inequality. In 1954, (Brown V Board of Education) segregation was ruled illegal. The ruling did little to alter race relations in the U.S. Since 1954, there has been voting rights legislation, fair housing and employment acts, and supreme court rulings to reinforce the American ideology of 'equal justice.' John F. Kennedy implored America to "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." Lyndon B. Johnson asked us to build 'A Great Society.' Newt Gingrich presented the 'Contract with America". Donald J. Trump asks that we 'Make America Great Again.' The United States has also had a 'War on Poverty, ' a 'War on Drugs', and a 'War on Crime.' After decades of legal, social, and political maneuverings, in 2020, America watched in horror the killing of George Floyd. By law. George Floyd had all the rights accorded to every U.S. citizen. He was not posing a threat to himself or others. Both he and bystanders requested that he be allowed to take a breath. George Floyd was a threat because of the color of his skin, and there are no laws, public policies, or legislation that will protect anyone from that.