Final answer:
The justification of the lowly status of Blacks was rooted in social, cultural, and pseudoscientific beliefs in racial inferiority, along with discriminatory legislation. Despite these obstacles, African Americans have made strides in self-empowerment through education and political efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lowly status of Blacks was justified through social, cultural, and pseudoscientific means. This included a range of ideologies and practices that perpetuated the notion of racial inferiority, such as the belief in White male superiority based on intellect and experience.
Legislation like Jim Crow laws further institutionalized racial discrimination, while societal norms and segregation in education and housing perpetuated systemic inequalities.
It is important to note that over time, African Americans have sought to empower themselves through education and political action despite these barriers, leading to the establishment of African American Studies programs, integration efforts, and the fight for equal rights.