What is a Sundown Town? A Dark History of Exclusion

Few Americans know the term “sundown town,” yet the phenomenon is ubiquitous in our country’s history. So what is a sundown town? It is any municipality that uses intimidation to deliberately exclude non-white people from its borders after sunset.

We will explore the history of sundown towns. Their impact on American communities. They continue to exist despite our nation’s attempt at progress towards racial equity.

What is a Sundown Town? –  The Origins

The earliest sundown towns were established in the aftermath of the Civil War. It was driven by white Southerners who were determined to maintain their dominance over Black Americans.

Historians believe there were approximately 10,000 in the U.S from 1890-1960. Most of them were located in the Midwest and West.

Sundown Town is a descriptor for any community that uses fear to keep out non-white people.

What is a Sundown Town? – It’s Legacy

It has profoundly impacted American communities. Both racially and economically. By design, they exclude a large portion of the population. Specifically black and brown people. Participating in local commerce intentionally leads to stagnation and decline.

In addition, sundown towns’ legacy contributed heavily to residential segregation. Which has a host of negative consequences. It led to black-segregated neighborhoods having poorer educational outcomes, higher crime rates, and reduced social mobility.

Although this was very apparent. There were still towns that refused to change even after desegregation. In some cases, local residents would rather see their town die than allow people of color to live there. This racism resulted in the further decline of already struggling communities. In particular, the black community experienced over 400 years of slavery.

Not surprisingly, many people are still unaware of the existence of it. As a result, many people grew up believing that their town’s lack of diversity was natural. However, in reality it was the result of racist exclusion.

Its legacy is still very much alive today. There was even a recent account in Vidor, Texas that was captured on TikTok. In order to create more inclusive and thriving communities. It is essential that we acknowledge the role that racism has played in their development.

Why Do Sundown Towns Still Exist?

It is hard to believe that are still exists in 21st-century America. And yet, they do.

Though their numbers have dwindled since their peak in the early twentieth century. There are still hundreds of communities across the country that maintain their white supremacy through exclusionary practices.

Either way, the result is the same. Sundown towns persist. Even as our nation continues its struggle to grapple with its history of racism.

There are a few ways to combat the effects of sundown towns. One is to support businesses that people of color own. Another is to move to a more diverse community.

But perhaps the most important thing we can do is to educate ourselves. Others about the history of these towns and the role that racism has played in their development. Only by understanding the past can we hope to create a more inclusive future.

Sundown towns are a part of America’s history that is often forgotten or ignored. But if we want to create a more just and equitable society. It is essential that we remember and learn from them.

Conclusion

If you have ever asked the question. Then you have your answer. Sundown towns are a painful reminder of America’s long history of racism and exclusion. Though they may not be as prevalent as they once were. They continue to exist in every region of our country. Their existence underscores the importance of addressing systemic racism head-on. If we ever hope to achieve true racial equity in America.

If you’re curious about where it exists. Be sure to check out Tougaloo’s Sundown Town Registry. Learn more about a Vidor, Texas a recent sundown town that has gotten a lot of exposure in 2022