James W. Loewen (Jim)

Sundown Towns

and what to do about them

• When [1890-1968, peak year 1970]

• Where [throughout US, except the traditional South]

• How many [in many states, a majority of all towns]

Pinckneyville, IL

Villa Grove, IL: Can you “see” the ordinance?

Can you “see” the ordinance?

Can you “see” the ordinance?

The largest attempt to create a sundown town: Tulsa

Where are the “Negroes”?

Can you “see” the FHA regulation?

Who is kept out?

The influence of sundown towns

What is to be Done?

• Require admission.

• Require apology.

• Require changed practice.

• Require results.

• Or remove federal housing!

• “Residents Rights Act”

Confirm a town•Start with census, incl. “manuscript census.” Trace former black residents.•Read printed town and county histories.•Do oral history: “experts,” genealogists, old folks. Ask: “how do you know this?” etc.•Confirm with newspapers, land records, if you can.•Tell me! Jloewen@uvm.edu. Cause change!

James W. Loewen (Jim)