[untenured]

This is an important part of Southern history that is little-known. Immediately after the Civil War southern states imposed the Black Codes, but Union occupation authorities repealed them. During this time interracial commerce grew rapidly - trains were often integrated, for example. It was only when segregationists got control of southern governments after Reconstruction that Jim Crow - the Black Codes v2.0 - was imposed, prohibiting integration. Business was on its way to helping blacks advance and people get along before the government stepped in and, as it typically does, imposed the preferences of some on all.

[tallhappy]

Yes. Excellent points.

I think Jim Crow was actually worse than slavery in a way.