Art,

My understanding is that many states and/or locales had "Black Codes" (even as late as the 1960's).

Understanding these laws that were enacted after the Emancipation Proclamation can help folks better understand the information that they discover on the various documents that they will encounter in their genealogical research. Those "Black Codes" were an attempt to keep African Americans second-class citizens even though the constitution supposedly 'guaranteed' them equal citizenship in this country.

Very good information. Thanks!

Eric Thomas