Former Nevada 'sundown town' stands by siren amid reckoning
SAM METZ, Associated Press / Report for America
July 26, 2021
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1of5This June 30, 2021 photo shows a sign for the town of Minden, Nev. Efforts to silence the century-old siren, seen in the background, that blares every night at 6 p.m. are sparking debates over how to confront the region's history of racism and violence. The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California associates the siren with a historic "sundown ordinance" that once made it illegal for them to be in Minden and neighboring Gardnerville after nightfall. Residents of the mostly white town defend it as a tradition that marks time and honors first responders. After state lawmakers banned the siren, the Washoe Tribe's chairman and Minden town manager agreed to move the siren to 5 p.m. but the compromise left many tribal members unsatisfied and awaits discussion at the tribal council.Sam Metz/APShow MoreShow Less