Jim Crowism

noun

Jim Crow·​ism ˈjim-ˈkrō-ˌi-zəm 

1

: racial segregation and discrimination enforced by laws, customs, and practices in especially the southern states of the U.S. from the end of Reconstruction in 1877 until the mid-20th century : jim crow sense 1a

These letters unveil a wide range of black soldier experiences and attitudes … . Without such broad and inclusive coverage, the full scope, prevalence and subtlety of Jim Crowism in the army would have remained a matter of hearsay and doubt.

—Benjamin Quarles

2

: racist systems or beliefs : jim crow sense 2a

Real economic prosperity won't happen for Mississippi until all traces of Jim Crowism are a thing of the past.

—Kelly Duda

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1