DIVERSITY GONE WRONG: "New" KKK leader actively recruiting Blacks, others
buzzz worthy. . .
By Mona Austin
Black people are now welcome to join the White supremacist hate group known for targeting and terrorizing them historically, the Klu Klux Klan (KKK).
As a part of its "re-branding" campaign, a new off-shoot of the Klu Klux Klan, The Rocky Mountain Knights, has an open door policy. Its founder, John Abarr has relaxed age-old membership requirements to accept people of all races, gays and Jews.
The Montana based leader plans to continue the tradition of wearing hoods, although he said his views have evolved. The focus of Abarr's "new Klan" is to stand against a new world order. He met with NAACP leader under heavy security in Wyoming last year to discuss violence against black men and racial issues among other things.
"The KKK is for a strong America," Abarr told The Great Falls Tribune newspaper. "White supremacy is the old Klan. This is the new Klan."
But so far recruitment is not working well for Abarr. tMark Pitcavage of the Anti Defamation League said he has been rejected by other Klan Groups and suspects he is the only member of the Rocky Mountain Knights. "He's one guy, pretending to start a Klan group," Pitcavage told the Daily News.
By Mona Austin
Black people are now welcome to join the White supremacist hate group known for targeting and terrorizing them historically, the Klu Klux Klan (KKK).
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| John Abarr |
The Montana based leader plans to continue the tradition of wearing hoods, although he said his views have evolved. The focus of Abarr's "new Klan" is to stand against a new world order. He met with NAACP leader under heavy security in Wyoming last year to discuss violence against black men and racial issues among other things.
"The KKK is for a strong America," Abarr told The Great Falls Tribune newspaper. "White supremacy is the old Klan. This is the new Klan."
But so far recruitment is not working well for Abarr. tMark Pitcavage of the Anti Defamation League said he has been rejected by other Klan Groups and suspects he is the only member of the Rocky Mountain Knights. "He's one guy, pretending to start a Klan group," Pitcavage told the Daily News.
Abarr was entrenched in the organization before deciding to branch out on his own and denouncing discriminatory practices. He may be confused in thinking he can still associate with the KKK brand and change the agenda the organization stands for, a choice Imperial Wizard of the United Klans of America Bradley Jenkins said is politically motivated. According to Jenkins, Abarr could not use the KKK title for his initiative. Said Jenkins, "That man's going against everything the bylaws of the constitution of the KKK say."
“I like it because you wear robes, and get out and light crosses, and have secret handshakes,” Abarr said, according to the Casper Star-Tribune. “I like being in the Klan -- I sort of like it that people think I’m some sort of outlaw.”
"He's trying to hide behind the KKK to further his political career," Jenkins added.
"He's trying to hide behind the KKK to further his political career," Jenkins added.
