Why were the Mississippi black codes written?

The Mississippi Black Codes were enacted in 1865 to restrict the rights and freedoms of newly freed African Americans following the Civil War. These laws aimed to maintain white supremacy and control over the black population by enforcing labor contracts, limiting mobility, and prohibiting certain activities. The codes sought to ensure a stable labor supply for the agricultural economy while reinforcing racial segregation and discrimination. Ultimately, they were part of a broader effort in the South to circumvent the progress made during Reconstruction.