Truck Driver’s Incident in Vidor, Texas
A Black truck driver recounted his experience in Vidor, Texas, a town historically labeled as a “sundown town.”
Understanding Sundown Towns
Sundown towns in the United States are predominantly white areas that are deemed unsafe for Black individuals after dark. The term originates from segregation-era signs that mandated “colored people” exit by sundown; it now signifies communities that maintain a majority white population through systematic exclusion of minorities.
Vidor’s Historical Context
Vidor gained a reputation as a stronghold for the Ku Klux Klan during the 1990s. In 1993, when a federal judge mandated the desegregation of public housing, the KKK hosted rallies in Vidor. This led Texas Monthly to label it as “Texas’ Most Hate-Filled Town.” Current census data indicates that Vidor is 98.4% white and just 0.1% Black.
A TikTok Account
A video titled “My night in a sundown town” by Black truck driver Gideon captures his unsettling experience in Vidor. The TikTok video, posted on May 3, has garnered over 875,000 views.
Arrival in Vidor
As Gideon arrived for a delivery, he immediately recognized the exit. “I get there and I look at the exit,” he reflected, recalling that when he saw Exit 861A, he knew he was headed to Vidor. He mentioned hearing numerous warnings from fellow Black Texans about the town.
Experiencing Hostility
Despite it being around 5:30 p.m. and his load scheduled for delivery the next morning, Gideon noticed numerous Confederate flags and a disturbing sight of a Black doll bound in a Confederate flag hanging from a tree.
Urgent Warnings
Upon reaching his destination, a security guard issued a “code red” to coworkers. Gideon overheard the guard express concerns over his safety, emphasizing that they stopped accepting loads at 4 p.m. Shortly after, another man advised him to leave immediately, warning that the police in the area tend to “turn a blind eye.” Following this guidance, Gideon retreated to Beaumont for safety, opting to sleep with a rifle.
Community Reactions
Comments on Gideon’s video reflected a shared awareness among Black Texans about the dangers of Vidor. Many expressed that they were taught from a young age to avoid the town. One comment remarked, “As soon as you said Texas, I knew it was Vidor,” while another added, “That’s the first thing they told me when I moved to Texas: Don’t go to Vidor.” A viewer lamented that even in 2022, safety advisories for Black travelers, akin to the historic Green Book, are still necessary.
Newsweek has reached out to Gideon for further commentary on his experience.
