Plessy v. Ferguson, Is Separate Ever Equal?

In the 1930's times were different ... much different. It's amazing how in sixty years a country can do a 180-degree turn. In the 30's, Caucasians still believed that somehow they were endowed with superiority because of the color of their skin. Segregation was ubiquitous in the Southern states. African-Americans were forced to use separate, but "equal," facilities.
Laws that set up separate facilities for whites and blacks were first passed shortly after the Civil War. They were called "Jim Crow" laws. Black Americans were forced to use separate bathrooms, drinking fountains, train cars, diners, schools, housing, and sections in movie theaters. Virtually every aspect of life in the Southern states was separated into black and white.
In 1892, a mostly white man, 7/8ths to be exact, named Homer Plessy, purchased a first class train ticket for the black car. They overbooked that car and by the time he got there, there was no room. Plessy ventured into the first cla...