Plessy vs Ferguson
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
Plessy vs Ferguson was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in the year 1896. The primary individuals involved in this case were:
1. Homer Plessy: He was a 30-year-old African American man of mixed race who was chosen by the Civil Rights group, the Comité des Citoyens, to challenge the Louisiana law that mandated racial segregation on trains.
2. Judge John H. Ferguson: He was the judge in the case and the defendant, responsible for upholding the Louisiana law requiring separate railway cars for blacks and whites.
3. The United States Supreme Court: The nine justices of the Supreme Court at the time heard this case and were responsible for delivering the final verdict.
4. Civil Rights Activists/Organizations: The Comité des Citoyens, along with various civil rights organizations, were involved in supporting Plessy and advocating against racial segregation.
5. African Americans: The African American community was largely affected by the outcome of this case. Plessy's challenge aimed to overturn segregation laws and ensure equal rights and opportunities regardless of race.
6. Southern States: The decision in Plessy vs Ferguson had a significant impact on Southern states, as it provided legal justification for segregation laws and practices, further establishing the Jim Crow Era.
7. White Citizens and Civil Rights Opponents: Supporters of racial segregation, who maintained white supremacy and opposed racial equality, were involved in the case to defend existing laws and practices that perpetuated racial discrimination.
It is important to note that the outcome of this case had a lasting impact on American society, as it established the "separate but equal" doctrine, allowing for legal segregation across various domains such as transportation, education, and public facilities. This decision was not overturned until the landmark Brown vs Board of Education case in 1954.