Trump’s rallies in racist ‘sundown towns’ as Black celebrities continue misinformation about VP Harris

By Stacy M. Brown
Contributing Writer

(NNPA Newswire) — Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign is drawing intense criticism for its choice of rally locations – towns with deeply racist histories known as “sundown towns.” These communities, where Black people were historically prohibited after sunset through intimidation, violence, discriminatory laws, and lynching, remain predominantly white. Trump’s decision to hold rallies in these locations is raising alarms, especially given his long history of stirring racial tensions and his open embrace of white supremacist groups.

For many, what makes this even more troubling is the continued support Trump receives from some Black celebrities and self-proclaimed Black conservatives, who either align with him or spread misinformation about his opponents. Actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson recently made headlines for his false claims about the Asian Hate Crime Bill during an Instagram Live chat with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who failed to correct him.

Gibson accused President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of “prioritizing the Asian Hate Crime Bill” over addressing racially motivated crimes against Black Americans. Black journalists quickly corrected Gibson, pointing out that the bill, while referencing attacks on Asian Americans, is not limited to any one group. They also highlighted the significant anti-lynching legislation passed under the Biden-Harris administration.

Gibson’s misleading statements are part of a broader, profoundly concerning trend among Black celebrities like Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Lil Wayne, Waka Flocka Flame, and Ice Cube, who have shown varying degrees of support for Trump. Their endorsements lend an unfortunate legitimacy to a candidate who has repeatedly demonstrated racial animus and who now appears to be actively courting white supremacist support by rallying in sundown towns.

Journalists and social media commentators have been quick to point out the implications of Trump’s rally locations. Journalist Jim Stewartson and singer Bill Madden both flagged a disturbing pattern of Trump holding rallies in sundown towns like Howell, Michigan. Reacting to a TikTok video that exposed this trend, Madden remarked, “This gentleman has noticed something very disturbing. Trump has been holding his hate rallies in sundown towns.”

Former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance also addressed the issue, particularly noting Trump’s rally in Cullman, Alabama, a town with a notorious sundown history. Vance questioned whether these choices could be coincidental, concluding, “Sometimes the dog whistle is actually words, loudly spoken.”

Other social media users have also connected the dots between Trump’s rally locations and his broader strategy of racial division. One user noted, “Interesting notice recently that Trump is holding his rallies in sundown towns. This caught my interest when he chose Cullman, Alabama, my Mother-in-Law’s hometown, as one of his 2021 stops for this campaign.” Opinion columnist Will Bunch further emphasized the point, saying, “This is remarkable – Trump’s visits to sundown towns – and cannot be a coincidence. Hat tip to [Madden] and the dude he posted who figured it out.”

In stark contrast to Trump’s racially charged rallies, Vice President Kamala Harris is currently on a “Freedom Bus Tour” focused on promoting reproductive rights and equality. As one X user sharply contrasted, “Kamala looks to the future and restoring rights. Trump looks to the past and Jim Crow.”

Some on social media have argued that some Black men may have problems elevating a Black woman to power, the support from Black celebrities for Trump is particularly jarring considering his history. Trump also has made clear his intentions to act as a dictator if re-elected. Critics said his rallies in sundown towns are not just campaign stops – they are deliberate provocations that evoke America’s racist past, a past he seems eager to revive.

Maya Angelou’s famous quote serves as a sobering reminder in this context: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” As journalists like Reecie Colbert, Roland Martin, and Kathia Woods have noted, Trump has shown who he is – “someone who fans the flames of racial division and aligns himself with those who seek to oppress.”

This article originally published in the September 9, 2024 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.