“Sundown towns” refer to cities and towns throughout America’s 20th century (to current) where racial discrimination remains at a very high-level.
Most of them operated by tolerating the African-Americans and other minorities who may have frequented the towns during the day, but in essence, made life very difficult when the sun went down.
Most suburban town started out as “sundown towns”. White only signs and mentalities were abundant!
Sundown towns were created by ordinances on the books, and by having “covenants” in place as far as properties and neighborhoods, inter-racial marriages, school segregation and political representation, etc.
The author offers this link to his website listing of hundreds of Sundown Towns that still exist today. http://sundown.afro.illinois.edu/content.php?file=sundowntowns-whitemap.html
This is one of the most detailed and thoughtful books I’ve read on issues of segregation and racial issues in United States, and throughout history. It still goes on to this day, and as I write this, our Nation is holding its collective breath as we await the verdict in Ferguson, MO in regards to a White police officer who shot and killed a young black teen in the streets of Ferguson (which would historically fit the description of a Sundown Town). There have been several incidents of uprisings already, several shootings and a few killings in recent weeks. Incidents of racial discrimination bubble right below the surface all across our Nation, and so much of it is because of the Legacy of Slavery, and unresolved racial tensions, plus dis-proportionalities in just about every measurable category possible.
The author gives numerous accounts of real interviews, and actual history of behaviors and perceptions that are persisted throughout America. Again, pointing out the great deal about inequality in America and specifically towards African-Americans and other minorities.
A great book that I just couldn’t put down! You’ll enjoy it and be enlightened as well.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
