Cullman's spectacular displays and festivities this holiday season have earned it the No. 10 spot on Southern Living's list of cutest southern Christmas towns.
Featuring the tallest decorative pyramid in the country, the Cullman Christkindlmarkt, which celebrates Christmas and the city's German heritage, has grown to attract thousands of people from all over the state.
With the added notoriety has come scrutiny and baseless claims of ongoing racial discrimination.
Recently, several TikTok influencers have warned black people and other minorities not to go to Cullman or attend its Christmas market because it is a "sundown town," a pre-1950s term used to describe communities that excluded black people.
One popular post on TikTok by user Charlie Desi, which has since been deleted, said, "Y'all, we got drama in Alabama. Ain't nobody coming to Cullman... Cullman is a Sundown town. Was, is, forever will be."
Another poster, Josh Colburn, rejected Southern Living's characterization of Cullman as a "Hallmark town." "That would be like saying Birmingham, Alabama is the country music capital of the world," he said.
@joshcolburn I can assure you Cullman is not a “Hallmark Town”. #cullmanal #notahallmarktown #hallmark #christmas ♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
Several other social media posts also argued that Cullman was still as racist as it was in the 1950s. However, former State Rep. James C. Fields Jr., a black Democrat and lifetime resident of the area, said nothing could be further from the truth.
Fields acknowledged Cullman's storied history of discrimination, not unlike many cities across the nation pre-Civil Rights. However, he said it would be an "injustice" to claim that was still the case and ignore all the progress made in Cullman.
"Cullman did have the name sundown town, but to lay that now at the feet of the progress that has been made in Cullman, the diversity that is all over the area… I didn't bother to go on TikTok to see what was actually said, but that is an injustice, and it is an unfairness to the city of Cullman," Fields told 1819 News.
"I've worked in Cullman all my life, and I'm 70 years of age; sat on various boards locally and statewide," he continued. "But why someone would be motivated or moved to post something like that … that would be the furthest thing from the truth that people of color would not be comfortable going to the park and enjoying everything they have in there."
State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), who was recently voted by Senate Republicans to be the new pro-tem, agreed with Fields that calling Cullman a sundown town was unfair.
“I have lived in Cullman County my whole life and it is not fair seeing the bad history of this community from 80 years ago resurface,” he told 1819 News. “Cullman is a family community that is safe and welcoming for all who attend our Christmas events or any event.”
Fields went so far as to say that black people would be safer in Cullman "than probably anywhere in Alabama or in the south or any other state," citing the area's low crime rate.
Shirley Arnett, a former councilwoman of nearby Vinemont in Cullman County, said she didn't think it was true that Cullman was trying to keep anybody out.
"I had heard there was a sign about that back in the day along some highway here but never saw it," she told 1819 News. "If someone is still accusing Cullman of trying to keep certain people out, I don't believe that's true. Anyone can buy property that's for sale anywhere. I don't believe there's a 'committee' or group here to try to stop anyone from doing that!"
Devin Allen, a local businessman, wasn't surprised that Cullman's economic success has attracted some "haters," referring to the false claims on TikTok, but he was confident that the city is a loving, welcoming place for all.
"I have lived here for many years and been involved in many community events. In recent years, I have seen more and more minorities enjoying this small town. I have witnessed nothing but a welcoming environment," he told 1819 News. "The recent economic success of Cullman has most likely brought about a certain number of 'haters.' This attitude is also common towards success, and I presume the most recent spreading of falsehoods is coming from those outsiders not happy with the growth of Cullman."
Nathan Anderson, the executive director of Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism, said that despite Cullman's "complex history," the city is focused on a brighter future.
"While we cannot change the past, we can shape a brighter and more inclusive future," he said. "We stand firmly against all forms of racial and social injustice and are committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for every visitor and resident."
Anderson said more than "7,000 visitors from the black community" visited the Christmas market last weekend — 17% of the total attendance.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs echoed Anderson's sentiments.
"Our goal is to show the region—and beyond—that Cullman is a place of openness, warmth, and inclusivity," he said in a statement to 1819 News. "We are dedicated to ensuring that every visitor feels at home here and can share in the fellowship, fun, and sense of community that make Cullman such a special place to live, work, and play."
To connect with the story's author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com or find him on X and Facebook.
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