MLK Celebration Week: “Don’t let the sun set on you! The Hidden History of Sundown Towns”

During the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. traveled extensively across the United States, delivering sermons, leading non-violent protests, and organizing with fellow civil rights community leaders and college students. For many Black Americans, travel during the era was met with challenges due to the oppressive Jim Crow laws that imposed severe restrictions and the unspoken rules of “sundown towns” — where African Americans faced threats if they were found in certain areas after dark.

Dr. Shay Malone, Northwest’s assistant vice president of institutional excellence and global engagement, will delve into the often-overlooked history of sundown towns, examining their impact on African American communities. The presentation highlights historical narratives from these towns and their residents, exploring how legacies influence the identity and dynamics of these communities today.

The event is free and open to the public.