by Stacy M. Brown<\/p>\n
Donald Trump\u2019s 2024 presidential campaign is drawing intense criticism for its choice of rally locations \u2014 towns with deeply racist histories known as \u201csundown towns,\u201d communities where Black people were historically prohibited after sunset through intimidation, violence, discriminatory laws, and lynching.<\/p>\n
With these areas remaining predominantly white, Trump\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Gibson accused President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of \u201cprioritizing the Asian Hate Crime Bill\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Gibson\u2019s misleading statements are part of a broader, profoundly concerning trend among Black celebrities like Curtis \u201c50 Cent\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Journalists and social media commentators have been quick to point out the implications of Trump\u2019s rally locations. Journalist Jim Stewartson and singer Bill Madden both flagged a disturbing pattern of Trump holding rallies in sundown towns like Howell, Michigan.<\/p>\n
Reacting to a TikTok video that exposed this trend, Madden remarked, \u201cThis gentleman has noticed something very disturbing. Trump has been holding his hate rallies in sundown towns.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance also addressed the issue, particularly noting Trump\u2019s rally in Cullman, Alabama, a town with a notorious sundown history. Vance questioned whether these choices could be coincidental, concluding, \u201cSometimes the dog whistle is actually words, loudly spoken.\u201d<\/p>\n