13. Sundown Towns and Racial Exclusion
Across the United States, hundreds of sundown towns deliberately excluded Black residents through intimidation, violence, and official policies. Signs warned African Americans to leave by sunset, and those who stayed risked harassment or worse. This widespread exclusion further limited Black Americans’ freedom of movement, access to jobs, and safety, reinforcing segregation beyond the South. For an in-depth look at sundown towns, see NPR.
