Avoid Poquoson, VA – A Town with a Troubling Past and Present
If you are Black and considering visiting or moving to Poquoson, Virginia, I strongly advise against it. This town has a long and well-documented history as a former sundown town, where Black people were explicitly unwelcome after dark. Even though laws have changed, the culture of exclusion and racial hostility persists.
Historically, Poquoson displayed signs warning Black individuals to stay away, and the town intentionally separated from York County in 1952, a move seen as a way to maintain segregation. To this day, the Black population is less than 1%, which speaks volumes about the lingering unwelcoming atmosphere.
Recent incidents have further confirmed that racism is still an issue here. In 2019, Poquoson High School had to forfeit a football game after students were caught using racial slurs in videos, proving that discrimination is not just a thing of the past—it’s still alive in this town.
If you are a Black traveler, family, or professional, there are far better and safer places to visit or live than Poquoson. Don’t put yourself in an uncomfortable or potentially hostile environment. Stay aware and make informed decisions about where you choose to go.
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Avoid Poquoson, VA – A Town with a Troubling Past and Present
If you are Black and considering visiting or moving to Poquoson, Virginia, I strongly advise against it. This town has a long and well-documented history as a former sundown town, where Black people were explicitly unwelcome after dark. Even though laws have changed, the culture of exclusion and racial hostility persists.
Historically, Poquoson displayed signs warning Black individuals to stay away, and the town intentionally separated from York County in 1952, a move seen as a way to maintain segregation. To this day, the Black population is less than 1%, which speaks volumes about the lingering unwelcoming atmosphere.
Recent incidents have further confirmed that racism is still an issue here. In 2019, Poquoson High School had to forfeit a football game after students were caught using racial slurs in videos, proving that discrimination is not just a thing of the past—it’s still alive in this town.
If you are a Black traveler, family, or professional, there are far better and safer places to visit or live than Poquoson. Don’t put yourself in an uncomfortable or potentially hostile environment. Stay aware and make informed decisions about where you choose to go.