Sundown Towns are towns or communities where African Americans or other minority groups were not welcome after dark. In New York, one of the most well-known Sundown Towns is located in Ulster County, named Sundown Town. Sundown Town was created in the 1930s when African Americans were prevented from settling in the area due to discriminatory policies and attitudes.
The town’s name comes from the infamous “sundown” rule, which required all people of color to leave town before the sun went down. Those who didn’t leave were subject to violence or arrest. The town’s discriminatory policies eventually led to its decline, and today it’s largely abandoned.
Despite being a dark chapter in New York’s history, Sundown Town serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles that people of color have faced in America. It’s important to remember and acknowledge these injustices, so that we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.
If you’re interested in learning more about Sundown Town and other important issues related to race and discrimination, be sure to tune in to the ConceitedNobodi podcast with hosts @johantheamerican and @red1der. Our podcast is available on all streaming platforms, and new episodes are released every Wednesday at 7 am, with accompanying YouTube videos available every Friday at 7 am. Listen in to get more commentary and insights.