PoliticsSegregationracial violenceRacism

KKK, NAACP Leaders In Wyoming Have Historic Meeting

KKK, NAACP Leaders Have Historic Meeting
Open Image Modal
By 

Senior Editor, Breaking News, HuffPost

|

Leaders from branches of the Ku Klux Klan and the NAACP had a historic meeting in Casper, Wyoming on Saturday to discuss recent acts of violence against black men and the distribution of KKK pamphlets in the area.

Jimmy Simmons, president of the Casper branch of the NAACP, had reached out to John Abarr of the United Klans of America about meeting in June, according to the Casper Star-Tribune. The two didn't meet until several ground rules were established, including an agreement to meet under heavy security.

The two discussed the KKK's desire to secede from the union, segregation and violence against black men. Abarr revealed that he saw an uptick in new members after the election of President Barack Obama and shared why he likes being in the Klan.

“I like it because you wear robes, and get out and light crosses, and have secret handshakes,” Abarr said, according to the Star-Tribune. “I like being in the Klan -- I sort of like it that people think I’m some sort of outlaw.”

But Abarr -- who believes violence against black men is a hate crime and touts his group as a non-violent religious organization focused on political issues -- said his branch of the KKK isn't hateful enough for some, and that he really likes to "recruit really radical kids, then calm them down after they join."

Click here for more from the Casper Star-Tribune.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Politicians Who Wanted A Second Chance
Mark Sanford(01 of09)
Open Image Modal
As South Carolina governor in 2009, Sanford admitted that he was having an extramarital affair with an Argentine woman and lied about his whereabouts, the Associated Press reported. He recently won a GOP runoff for the congressional seat in South Carolina's 1st district and is engaged to his mistress, Maria Belen Chapur. (credit:AP Photo/Bruce Smith)
Chuck Robb(02 of09)
Open Image Modal
Virginia Democrat Chuck Robb took another shot at the U.S. Senate in 1994, years after admitting to a secret history of partying and sexual encounters, according to the New York Times. He won his bid for a second term. (credit:AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Eliot Spitzer(03 of09)
Open Image Modal
The Democrat resigned as governor of New York in 2008 in a call-girl scandal and has since worked as a commentator for CNN and other media organizations, the Associated Press reported. (credit:Getty Images)
Newt Gingrich(04 of09)
Open Image Modal
Former GOP Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich's history of marriages, divorces and affairs reemerged in the spotlight while making an unsuccessful bid for the White House in 2012. (credit:AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Barney Frank(05 of09)
Open Image Modal
Massachusetts Democratic congressman Barney Frank's career was almost derailed in 1989 after he admitted to a relationship with a male prostitute, but went on to serve for two more decades before retiring, the Associated Press reported. (credit:AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
David Vitter(06 of09)
Open Image Modal
He won a second term as a Republican senator from Louisiana in 2010, three years after he was identified as a client of a prostitution service in what was dubbed the "DC Madam" scandal, the Associated Press reported. (credit:ROBIN UTRECHT/AFP/Getty Images))
Bill Clinton (07 of09)
Open Image Modal
Former President Bill Clinton was impeached by the House in 1998 but acquitted by the Senate over his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, the Associated Press reported. (credit:ROBIN UTRECHT/AFP/Getty Images))
Ted Kennedy(08 of09)
Open Image Modal
Massachusetts Democrat Edward "Ted" Kennedy was serving in the Senate in 1969, when he was involved in a post-party car accident that resulted in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne. Kennedy pled guilty to leaving the scene of an accident, and while the incident was thought to have damaged his presidential prospects, he ultimately served in the Senate until 2009, when he died of brain cancer. (credit:AP/Doug Mills)
Ken Calvert(09 of09)
Open Image Modal
The California Republican was serving his first year in Congress in 1993 when he was busted by police while engaged in sexual conduct with a prostitute. The incident didn't slow down his political career, as Calvert is still serving on Capitol Hill. (credit:Getty Images)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip