This photo essay examines the emergence of segregation in the post-Reconstruction South. It argues that black Americans' efforts to gain equal rights through political participation and control unintentionally led to greater segregation. Photos show black Americans peacefully convening political discussions, fighting for their country in the Civil War to gain suffrage, and eventually exercising their right to vote - all in an effort to work within the political system and achieve equality. However, this ultimately resulted in more entrenched racial divides.