History of North America

Were the black codes helpful or hurtful during and after reconstruction?

Hurtful.

Black codes created a racially discriminatory caste system that suppressed the rights of African Americans. They enforced segregation and discrimination in public places, transportation, and education; required African Americans to provide proof of employment or face arrest as vagrants; and restricted African Americans from owning land or serving on juries. These codes hindered African Americans' ability to participate fully in society and perpetuated economic and social inequality.