The Jim Crow laws were separate but not equal. This meant that African Americans and Caucasians were separated. They were not allowed to sit together on trains/buses, they couldn't vote, children could not play together, and they could not attend the same schools, and were even separated at their jobs. African Americans were treated poorly with no respect and were viewed as slaves/workers. These laws made it difficult for African Americans to live and enjoy their life.
I'm not the best at History, so I hope this helps a little bit. (: