What happend as the public schools in the south began to grow?

As public schools in the South began to grow, they largely reflected the region's racial segregation policies, resulting in a significant disparity in funding and resources between white and Black schools. The establishment of public education systems aimed to improve literacy rates and access to education, but many Black students faced systemic inequalities. Additionally, the growth of public schools sparked debates over educational reform and civil rights, ultimately contributing to the broader struggle for desegregation. This period also saw community efforts to improve educational opportunities despite significant challenges.