Hidden Realities of a Sundown Town in Eastern USA

Historical Context and Current Demographics

Nestled in the eastern part of the USA, about a 2-hour drive from a major city, lies a small town that serves as a frequent stop for tourists traveling between a popular attraction and the interstate. Despite its picturesque appearance, the town harbors a dark past and present. Until the mid-1970s, it was a sundown town, a place where non-white individuals were not welcome after dark. Although these laws were not officially repealed until the 1990s, the town remains almost entirely white, with a long-standing resistance to change.

The lingering effects of its sundown town history are evident in the town's demographic composition and social dynamics. Instances of racial harassment have been reported, particularly during election years. In 2016, there were several incidents involving racial slurs directed at non-white people. Although the number of reported incidents decreased in 2020 due to a drop in tourism, the current year has already seen at least four reported cases of harassment in just one month.

Recent Incidents and Community Dynamics

One particularly troubling incident involved a drink cup being thrown at a brown family's car at a local gas station. The perpetrators are known within the community, some even being friends and family of local law enforcement officers. Reporting these incidents is fraught with risk, as it could make the reporter a target for further harassment. The town's history of racial tension means that harassment can escalate beyond verbal slurs to more severe actions.

A recent example of this palpable sense of danger occurred when a black family felt compelled to leave a restaurant due to the presence of a known racist. The er considered warning the family but hesitated, fearing it might be perceived as unwelcoming. This underscores the complex and often dangerous social landscape that people of color must navigate in such towns.

Strategies for Warning Others

One suggested method for warning people about the town's hostile environment is to write online reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp using a burner account. These reviews should describe witnessed situations without using insults to avoid being flagged. This approach allows concerned individuals to alert others while minimizing personal risk.

People of color often have an intuitive sense of the "vibe" of a place and know when to leave. However, naming the town and creating a list or map of such places could provide an additional layer of warning. Many Americans, especially in the South, understand the term "sundown town" and its implications, making such a list a valuable resource.

The Power of Online Reviews

Leaving scathing reviews on Google for establishments where racist behavior is witnessed could pressure businesses to change. When businesses face public scrutiny and potential loss of revenue, they are more likely to take steps to address and rectify discriminatory practices. This form of activism can be a powerful tool for promoting social change in communities resistant to it.

Online reviews can serve as both a warning to potential visitors and a call to action for local businesses. By documenting and sharing these experiences, individuals can contribute to a broader movement aimed at dismantling the remnants of sundown town policies and fostering more inclusive communities.