Definition: "Jim Crow" was a minstrel performance that was popularized by Thomas Dartmouth "Daddy" Rice in 1828. Rice's character was a crippled plantation slave who danced and sang. Eventually, Jim Crow became a derogatory term and was used to describe laws that imposed racial segregation in the South.
Jim Crow
By Jessica McElrath, About.com
Suggested Reading
Elsewhere on the Web
Explore African-American History
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Make Meals Easy
An easy way to put delicious meals together.Build Your Business
Get tips on starting up and staying competitive.Love Your Living Space
Achieve your dream home with advice from the pros.Financial Planning
Stay on top with our smart financial tips.
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.