I also got the same perception and understanding about the differences regarding the struggles / challenges of racial equality between the South and the North. Without a doubt, segregation was a huge problem in the South, while poverty became another major problem in the North. When blacks were referred to or called "people of color" in the South, to me, discrimination and segregation were the contributing factors to geographical location than what was really going on in the North. Yes, I do believe this has something to do with challenges occurring depending on the geographical location. The reason for this, is because blacks are treated differently, also had to fear racism and violence against them depending on where they want to settle.
