Terminology

Jim Crow: This term refers to a type of racial caste system and forced racial segregation that existed primarily, but not exclusively, in the Southern and Border States between 1877 and the mid 1960s. These laws tightly controlled social interactions between blacks and whites and as a result, relegated African Americans to the status of second-class citizens. The effects of Jim Crow were most obvious in the separate public facilities for blacks and whites, such as restrooms, drinking fountains and all forms of public transportation.

color board: This was used to separate a bus or train cars into separate sections for blacks and whites. The bus driver or train conductor would move the board forward or backward depending on the number of white passengers. For example, as more white passengers boarded the bus or train the driver would move the board further back to make more room, leaving less room for black passengers and therefore, requiring more of them to stand.

resistance: The act of striving to work against, to remain firm against, oppose or withstand force.

segregation: To separate from others or from a main body or group, or to impose the separation of a race or class from the rest of society.

working class: The social standing of people who are employed in low wage positions that require physical labor and/or repetitive tasks.

militant: Individual who chooses to engage in combative or aggressive behavior, especially for an ideal or cause.

boycott: To abstain from buying something or dealing with someone as a form of protest.

Aryan supremacy: This is the ideology that whites are physically and intellectually superior to all other races. It became well known during World War II as the driving force behind Hitler’s annihilation of millions of European Jews.

“separate but equal”: The Supreme Court doctrine established in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896. In this precedent-setting case, the Supreme Court upheld the Louisiana “Separate Car Law” which created separate but equal train cars for blacks and whites. The doctrine made it legal for other states to extend this principle to other forms of public transportation and public facilities.

oppression: To keep down by unjust use of force or authority, or to weigh heavily on the mind or spirit. It also means difficult to bear, burdensome and can be used in reference to those who are tyrannical or are affected by tyranny.

assertive: To state positively or affirm, to defend or maintain, or to put oneself forward boldly or forcefully.

civil society: A set of intermediate associations which are neither the state nor the extended family; civil society therefore includes voluntary associations and firms and other corporate bodies.

empathy: Identification with and understanding the feelings of another person.

philanthropic acts: The giving of one’s time, talent or treasure for the sake of another, or for the common good.

commons: Resources which are not owned, either privately or by the state, but are left open for free use by all comers.