In 1896, the Supreme Court ruled that separate but equal was constitutional through the Plessy v. Ferguson case. Immediately local and state laws were created and in some cases, enhanced to prohibit African-Americans from participating fully in American society. However, almost immediately, African-Americans began working to prove their worth in American society. The timeline below highlights some of the contributions as well as some tribulations faced by African-Americans between 1900 and 1909.

James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson write the lyrics and composition for Lift Every Voice and Sing in Jacksonville, Fl. Within two years, the song is considered the African-American national anthem.

The New Orleans Race Riot begins on July 23. Lasting four days, 12 African-Americans and seven whites were killed.