What conditions made it necessary for so many black children to travel alone across the US in the book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?

In "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," many black children had to travel alone across the US due to the discriminatory practices of segregation in the South, which often prevented families from traveling together on public transportation. Additionally, economic challenges forced some families to send children to live with relatives in other cities or states in search of better opportunities.