The "Black Codes" were a set of unfair laws made after the Civil War in the Southern states of the USA. These laws were very harmful to African Americans, who were treated unfairly. Here are the three main ways these laws hurt them:
1. **Taking Away Rights:** The Black Codes stopped African Americans from having the same rights as others. They couldn't vote, serve on juries, or speak up in court against white people. They also couldn't own guns to protect themselves.
2. **Forced Labor:** The Black Codes made it hard for African Americans to find jobs. If they didn't have a job, they could be arrested and forced to work without pay. It was like a new form of slavery.
3. **Segregation:** The Black Codes kept black and white people separate. They had to use different schools, restaurants, and public places. This made it clear that black people were treated as inferior to white people.
These laws were very unfair and caused a lot of suffering for African Americans. Thankfully, these harmful laws were eventually replaced during the Civil Rights Movement, when people fought for equality and an end to segregation.