July 22nd 2023.
Recently, a shocking incident occurred in Columbia, Tennessee, where recruitment flyers of the Ku Klux Klan were found outside of three Black churches. As churchgoers exited service, they discovered the flyers which, despite being faded from the rain, still contained a clear message: “Be warned.”
Kenny Anderson Sr., pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, expressed his thoughts on the matter. “That lets me know now it’s a threat. I don’t see it as a prank; I don’t see it as just three churches, why not all of them? Well, I don’t care if it’s just one, it was still an act of hate and evil, and we have to stand against that.”
Sadly, this isn't a one-time incident. As reported by the Associated Press in May 2022, similar leaflets were left outside of Black churches in rural Mississippi.
Fortunately, there's some good news: the membership of the Ku Klux Klan has significantly declined over the years, according to Lydia Bates from the Southern Poverty Law Center. She explained to The Memphis Commercial Appeal that the group is not adept at conflict resolution, which has led to infighting and splintering into smaller groups.
The flyers found in Tennessee were apparently the work of the Old Glory Knights, a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan that has only recently appeared. Bethel Chapel AME Church responded to the situation by releasing a statement on their Facebook page denouncing the threats.
It's clear that the Black community is still subjected to hate and prejudice. But it's also important to remember that we have to fight back and stand together.
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