Question

Why is this Black Code?

“No Freedman shall sell, barter, or exchange any article of merchandise within the limits of the town without permission in writing from his employer.”

Answer 1

to ensure white privacy

Answer 2

Black code laws are ones that were created to ensure white supremacy. This one is saying no freed slave can sell, barter, or exchange an article of merchandise without permission from his employer. This means it is restricting freed men from doing as they choose to make money and still puts them under their employers (who are white).