Late 19th And Early 20th Century Progressive Reforms Reduced Number Of Black Professionals

From The Beacon, "Jim Crow and the Progressives" by Carl Close:

Historians often speak glowingly about the Progressive movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.***Writing in the summer issue of The Independent Review, Frostburg State University economists William L. Anderson and David Kiriazis argue that the Progressive "reforms" often enabled statutes aimed at restricting economic opportunities for African Americans. Progressivism, in other words, helped give birth to Jim Crow.***One especially pernicious example, the economists explain, involved medical licensing. In 1910, seven medical schools were geared toward training African Americans. But after Progressive reformers pushed for standards favored by the (whites-only) American Medical Association only two remained. The school closures led to fewer black physicians available to serve their communities. And by restricting competition for medical services, the closures also boosted the incomes of white doctors.

Similar patterns and outcomes afflicted other professions.