The Jim Crow Laws were state and local statutes enacted in the United States, primarily in the South, from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. These laws enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans, restricting their rights in various areas such as education, transportation, and public facilities. Under the Jim Crow system, African Americans were often required to use separate facilities, such as schools and restrooms, which were typically of lower quality than those available to whites. The laws were named after a blackface character in minstrel shows and were designed to maintain white supremacy and control over the African American population.