1. Jim Crow Laws: The town adhered to the Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation in public spaces. Blacks were prohibited from using the same facilities as whites, including schools, restaurants, public transportation, and restrooms.
2. Segregation in Education: The educational system was racially segregated, with separate schools for black and white children. Black schools were often underfunded, poorly equipped, and lacked qualified teachers.
3. Economic Discrimination: Blacks faced limited opportunities for employment and economic advancement. Most jobs available to blacks were low-paying and manual labor positions, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.
4. Lack of Political Power: Blacks were systematically denied the right to vote and actively excluded from participating in politics. They had almost no representation in local or state governments, leaving them without a voice to address their concerns.
5. Limited Access to Public Spaces: Parks, recreational areas, and other public spaces were often off-limits to blacks, who were segregated even in their leisure time.
6. Discriminatory Housing Practices: Blacks faced challenges in securing housing, with many neighborhoods implementing restrictive covenants that prohibited them from living in certain areas.
7. Social Isolation: Social interactions between blacks and whites were strictly limited. Interracial relationships, friendships, and marriages were strongly discouraged or even illegal in some cases.
8. Police Brutality and Injustice: Black individuals were vulnerable to police brutality and discriminatory treatment by law enforcement. Incidents of excessive force, false arrests, and unequal sentencing were prevalent.
9. Lack of Equal Opportunities: Blacks had limited access to quality healthcare, higher education, and professional development opportunities compared to their white counterparts.
10. Cultural Suppression: The dominant white culture often suppressed and marginalized black culture, customs, and traditions. Black cultural expressions were disregarded or considered inferior.
These racial disparities created a stark divide in Leon's town and reflected the systemic oppression and discrimination faced by black individuals in many parts of society during that era.