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Remnants of the Jim Crow South

The segregation laws known as "Jim Crow" shaped every aspect of life in the South from the late 1800s until the mid-1960s. The laws mandated segregation of drinking fountains, schools, libraries, restaurants, public transportation, and more.

Architecture

While UMMC has always treated Black patients since its opening in 1955, the architecture of the original building reflected separate areas, as required by state law. The public restrooms on this hall were originally segregated, as were the hospital entrances and cafeterias.