What is the goal of a thesis statement?
to establish focus and make a claim
to explain the author's point of view to the audience
to act as evidence supporting a claim
to summarize what the essay is about

The correct answer is "to establish focus and make a claim". The purpose of a thesis statement is to provide a guide to the reader so she or he would know what your essay is about. In order to make this guide clear, the thesis statement should include the focus of your essay and make a claim around the theme of it.

in the 1890s, southern states enacted a new form of black codes, called “jim crow” laws. these laws made it illegal for blacks and whites to share public facilities. this meant that blacks and whites had to use separate schools, hospitals, libraries, restaurants, hotels, bathrooms, and drinking fountains.

explanation:

absolutely it most certainly can.