Racial segregation continues to exist in the United States despite efforts to end it through civil rights legislation and court rulings. Segregation persists in schools and neighborhoods, with black students more isolated now than 40 years ago. The media contributes to ongoing discrimination and segregation through negative portrayals of African Americans that promote prejudice and affect where people live and are educated. Ending segregation requires addressing its underlying social and economic causes related to inequality of opportunity along racial lines.