California's Sundown Towns Are Part Of A Very Dark History

California's image as a vibrant, multicultural state masks a troubling past marked by segregation. From Hawthorne to San Leandro, numerous cities historically enforced "sundown" rules that prohibited Black individuals from being present after dark. Some locales openly displayed warnings, while others used intimidation or violence to maintain racial homogeneity. Though the explicit laws have vanished, their repercussions endure. Census statistics reveal a historical absence of Black residents in these areas, with some towns still exhibiting predominantly white populations, while others have seen significant demographic transformations. For instance, Hawthorne once warned Black residents to leave before sunset, experiencing minimal Black presence in 1950 compared to 25% today. Similarly, Burbank and Glendale have slowly adjusted their demographics, yet Black residents report ongoing alienation. Incidents of racism, like the vandalism faced by Sonia Reed in San Leandro, illustrate that the shadows of exclusion persist, reminding us that the legacies of such practices continue to affect communities in California.