I didn’t know what the term sundown towns meant until I moved to the rural South. As an Afro-Latina, discovering this part of American history was deeply unsettling. The idea that in the land of the free—the place my parents chose to pursue their version of the “American Dream”—there were towns where people of color were actively excluded after dark was both heartbreaking and disturbing.

Yet, learning about sundown towns is also fascinating in its way. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come, but it’s equally heartbreaking to confront the truth: remnants of that racism still linger today, and there are people who continue to believe it’s acceptable.

Let me share a personal story that opened my eyes even further. Years ago, my family and I visited Blount County, Alabama. Our church group—Black, Latino, and white—was standing outside a gas station, being our usual loud and joyful selves. Not long after, we were approached and offered an escort to the church where my husband was set to preach. At first, it seemed like an act of hospitality, but as we followed the caravan led by a white couple from our ministry, reality struck. People on the street screamed out, “N-lover!”

Later, I learned that, at that time (in the early 2000s), Blount County still had an ordinance prohibiting people of color from gathering outside public spaces. This wasn’t just history; this was a present-day reality for my family and me.

Thankfully, not all stories about sundown towns end this way. Some towns have moved forward, shedding these dark parts of their history. But it’s essential to know the truth—some of these places still carry an unspoken sense of exclusion. You’d have to live there to fully understand which ones are truly safe now.

Join me as I explore the history of Cullman, Alabama, and other sundown towns across the country. Together, we’ll uncover the progress made, the truths that remain, and what it means for our future.

In the heart of Alabama lies Cullman, a city that holds both history and transformation within its borders. As with many towns across the South, Cullman’s history reflects some of the complexities and painful memories of segregation and racial exclusion, particularly tied to its former identity as a “sundown town.”

What is a Sundown Town?

Sundown towns, a term that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were places where Black people and other minorities were excluded from living or even being present after sunset. Signs, policies, and sometimes even violent enforcement made it clear that these areas were designated for white people only after certain hours, creating what were effectively racial boundaries. The repercussions of these unofficial “sundown” restrictions were immense, as they limited Black families' mobility, job opportunities, and housing, reinforcing a culture of segregation and discrimination.

🔍 Exploring the Legacy of Sundown Towns: A Comprehensive List

The history of sundown towns is one of exclusion and discrimination. These were places across the United States where people of color, particularly Black Americans, were not welcome after dark. The legacy of these towns still lingers, even in places where such practices are no longer overt.

Below is a list of historically documented sundown towns, organized by state. Some have progressed and no longer carry the same stigma, while others still maintain unspoken rules of exclusion. This is by no means an exhaustive list but a starting point to reflect on our past and where we need to go as a society.

Sundown Towns by State

Alabama

• Cullman

• Arab

• Blount County

• Sheffield

Arkansas

• Harrison

• Prescott

Illinois

• Anna

• Cairo

• Mount Vernon

Indiana

• Martinsville

• Elwood

• Goshen

Mississippi

• Greenwood

• Senatobia

Missouri

• Sikeston

• Independence

• Marceline

Oregon

• Grants Pass

• Coos Bay

Texas

• Vidor

• Greenville

Tennessee

• Alcoa

• Signal Mountain

California

• Glendale

• Burbank

⚠️ Note: While some of these towns have made strides in dismantling their histories of exclusion, others still face challenges. It’s important to acknowledge progress while holding space for the work that remains.

How to Research Current Safety

1. Ask Locals: People who live in or near these towns can often share insight into whether the environment has shifted.

2. Check Community Groups: Forums and social media groups often provide candid discussions about these places.

3. Visit and Observe: When visiting, pay attention to signage, attitudes, and the presence (or absence) of diversity in public spaces.

The History of Cullman, Alabama

Cullman, like many parts of Alabama, was deeply affected by the systemic racism that marked much of the Jim Crow era. Black families and individuals who traveled through or considered living in Cullman often faced discrimination and intimidation. The idea of sundown towns took root in the early 1900s, as racial tensions across the United States grew, especially in areas with less diverse populations where white supremacy was strongly defended. As Cullman became a known sundown town, it carried with it the stigma of exclusion and intolerance.

The Civil Rights Movement and Alabama’s Transformation

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s began challenging these longstanding practices of segregation and racial discrimination across Alabama, bringing attention to sundown towns and their unjust policies. The fight for civil rights was fierce and often met with resistance, but through the courage of Black leaders, activists, and allies, many of these practices were overturned legally, if not entirely in spirit.

The echoes of these fights for equality reached places like Cullman, where integration and gradual desegregation followed the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. While changing laws was a powerful step, transforming societal attitudes would require more time. The efforts made by civil rights leaders helped create a foundation for future generations to continue breaking down racial barriers and advocating for equity.

Cullman Today: Moving Beyond the Past

Today, Cullman is a different city, one that has made strides in fostering a more inclusive community. Although the history of sundown towns remains a difficult chapter, Cullman’s community has been working to embrace diversity and acknowledge its past, while actively engaging in building a more inclusive future. Events, educational programs, and local leaders have increasingly prioritized creating safe spaces and encouraging conversations that foster understanding and unity.

Yet, the memory of Cullman’s past as a sundown town still serves as a reminder of the importance of continued advocacy for equality. By confronting these difficult histories, Cullman is part of a broader movement across America to reconcile with the past and create communities where everyone feels welcome and valued.

The Importance of Acknowledgment and Education

Understanding Cullman’s history as a former sundown town provides an opportunity for learning and growth. Teaching about these aspects of history in classrooms and public spaces highlights the resilience of the Black community and the long journey toward civil rights, shedding light on the progress made and the work that remains. For Black families, civil rights advocates, and allies, acknowledging this history is essential for healing and building trust.

For visitors or those new to Cullman, understanding this context is essential to appreciating how far the community has come and the challenges that once defined it. It’s a chance to reflect on how history has shaped not only Cullman but countless towns across America, encouraging us to be mindful of how policies and practices, both past and present, impact our communities.

Moving Forward

Cullman, Alabama, is a place where history meets progress. While it may once have represented exclusion for many Black families, today it offers an example of how a community can evolve by confronting its past. The legacy of sundown towns across America is a sobering one, but as towns like Cullman work to recognize and rectify these injustices, they create pathways for a future rooted in inclusion and respect for all.

By remembering where we’ve been, we empower ourselves to create stronger, more united communities that honor the dignity and humanity of every individual.