Current List of Sundown Towns: Sundown towns, also known as sunset towns or gray towns, are municipalities that were historically restricted to white residents. The term “sundown” refers to the practice of warning non-white residents to leave the town before sunset or face arrest or violence. This practice was prevalent in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and many towns that were once sundown towns continue to have a history of racial discrimination.
The current list of sundown towns is not officially recognized by the government, but researchers and activists have compiled lists of towns that have a history of racial restriction. These towns are located in various states across the United States, and many still have a predominantly white population today. Understanding the history of sundown towns is crucial in understanding the ongoing problem of racial inequality in the United States.
Current List of Sundown Towns
The current list of sundown towns not officially recognized by the government, but researchers and activists have compiled lists of towns that have a history of racial restriction. These towns are located in various states across the United States, and many still have a predominantly white population today.
Some examples of towns on the current list of sundown towns include:
- Pekin, Illinois: This town known for its strict sundown laws in the early 20th century, and non-white residents not allowed to enter the town after sunset. Today, the town still has a predominantly white population.
- Forsyth County, Georgia: This county was known for its strict sundown laws in the early 20th century, and non-white residents were not allowed to enter the county after sunset. Today, the county still has a predominantly white population.
- Harrison, Arkansas: This town was known for its strict sundown laws in the early 20th century, and non-white residents were not allowed to enter the town after sunset. Today, the town still has a predominantly white population.
It is important to note that these towns are not the only sundown towns in the United States, and the current list of sundown towns is not exhaustive. Many towns that were once sundown towns have since changed their policies, but still have a history of racial discrimination.
History of Sundown Towns
The history of sundown towns can traced back to the late 19th century, when many towns in the United States began to pass laws and ordinances that restricted the presence of non-white residents. The most common targets of these laws were African Americans, but other groups such as Asian Americans and Latino Americans also affected.
One of the main reasons for the creation of sundown towns was the fear of competition for jobs and housing. White residents in these towns believed that non-white residents would take their jobs and lower wages, and that they would also drive down property values. In addition, many white residents had a deep-seated fear and mistrust of non-white residents, and believed that they were a danger to the community.
The methods used to enforce these laws varied from town to town, but the most common methods were physical violence, police harassment, and social ostracism. African Americans in particular were often subject to brutal violence, with lynchings and mob violence being common. In some towns, non-white residents simply not allowed to enter after sunset, and would arrested or beaten if they found on the streets after dark.
The Impact of Sundown Towns
The impact of sundown towns still felt today, as many of these towns continue to have a predominantly white population and a history of racial discrimination. The legacy of sundown towns can seen in the ongoing problem of racial inequality in the United States.
One of the main impacts of sundown towns is the lack of economic opportunity for non-white residents. Many of these towns have a history of discrimination in housing and employment, and non-white residents are often at a disadvantage when it comes to finding jobs and housing. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and inequality that is difficult to break.
In addition, sundown towns have also had a negative impact on the health and well-being of non-white residents. The stress and trauma of living in a discriminatory environment can lead to a variety of physical and mental health problems, including higher rates of heart disease, depression, and anxiety.
Finally, the legacy of sundown towns has also led to a lack of diversity and understanding in these communities. Many of these towns continue to have a predominantly white population, and residents often lack exposure to different cultures and perspectives. This can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding for the experiences of non-white residents, and can make it difficult for these communities to move forward and become more inclusive.
Conclusion
The history of sundown towns a dark chapter in the United States’ history, and the legacy of these towns still felt today. The current list of sundown towns includes many municipalities that historically restricted to white residents, and many of these towns continue to have a predominantly white population and a history of racial discrimination. Understanding the history of sundown towns is crucial in understanding the ongoing problem of racial inequality in the United States, and it is important that we continue to work towards creating more inclusive and equitable communities.