In the 1890s, what direction were things going in with regard to the legal status of African Americans in the South, and what role was the federal government, especially the Supreme Court, playing in this area? Be specific about policies and practices, and mention a key Supreme Court ruling that illustrates the point.

In the 1890s, what direction were things going in with regard to the legal status of African Americans in the South, and what role was the federal government, especially the Supreme Court, playing in this area? Be specific about policies and practices, and mention a key Supreme Court ruling that illustrates the point.