Tennesseans speak out against Klan rally planned for Claiborne Co.
September 21, 2022

State residents are responding in outrage to public promotion of a
KKK rally happening in East Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, TN -- Local citizens have been informed of a Klux Klan rally happening this weekend in Claiborne County and are denouncing the event. Residents from Tazewell, Knoxville, Johnson City, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Memphis, TN and across the state are speaking up and speaking out making it clear that the KKK is not welcome in East Tennessee and that the people of Tennessee reject the racism, white supremacy, and legacy of violence upon which the KKK is established.

The Southern Poverty Law Center designates the Ku Klux Klan as a hate group as well as "America's first terrorist organization." The Klanwatch Project say that its members "have been responsible for atrocities that are difficult for most people to even imagine" and calls the Ku Klux Klan a vehicle for hatred in America: "the wild, irrational, killing hate that has led men and women throughout our history to extremes of violence against others simply because of their race, nationality, religion, or lifestyle."

The advertisement for the rally happening in Tazewell, TN promises "cross lighting." a term used by the KKK to describe the burning of crosses. This is historically used as a way to intimidate African Americans and Jews and is a sign for unifying regional Klan groups. The East Tennessee rally is being advertised as hosted by the United Klan Nation - this indication of faction-building is particularly concerning for state residents, and many are voicing their outrage over the increased threat of white supremacy in the region.

"I can't believe this is something we're still having to deal with," says one local who preferred to remain anonymous, "it's 2022!" Another, who also opted for anonymity citing concerns over the Klan's history of violence, held similar views: "It's sick. They're trying to brainwash children into believing the same hateful ignorance that they do. Something needs to be done." "Why hasn't Bill Lee put a stop to this?" they added. "I am a concerned citizen that my Governor has not spoken against the rally of a known hate organization."

Tennesseans who reject this influx of racism and bigotry in their state are being encouraged to exercise their First Amendment right and to speak out against this event. Many concerned citizens have already called or emailed the Tazewell Mayor, the Tazewell Police Chief, the Claiborne County Mayor, and the Claiborne County Sheriff's office asking their civic leaders to denounce the event and the Ku Klux Klan. To date, no local officials have made a public response. There is Public Call Action Dropping by statewide organizers this Thursday to Shut Down the Klan Rally in TN.