Branches of The KKK and NAACP met with one another to discuss recent hate crimes against Black men and the distribution of pamphlets promoting the KKK in Casper and Gillette Wyoming.
The president of the Wyoming branch of the NAACP, Jimmy Simmons, convened the meeting with John Abarr, president of the United Klans of America in Wyoming. The two only agreed to meet with one another after several safety rules were established and even then they each brought their own additional security.
“I like being in the Klan — I sort of like it that people think I’m some sort of outlaw.” Abarr explained at the meeting according to the Star-Tribune “I like it because you wear robes, and get out and light crosses, and have secret handshakes.”
Yet Abbar agreed that the violence commited against Black men recently in Wyoming have been hate crimes and says that his branch of the KKK is non violent and focuses more on political issues than racism. Abbar also said that the distribution of the KKK pamphlet was meant to be a public service rather than a discomfort to African Americans .
Abbar said that segregation is a good thing, that white cops should be in white neighborhoods and vice versa for African Americans. Abbar also commented on interracial romance as problem “because we want white babies.”
Mel Hamilton another member of the NAACP at the meeting chastised Abbar for being a member of the KKK. “It’s obvious you don’t know the history of your organization,” Hamilton said “It’s obvious to me that you’re not going out and talking about the good — you’re not talking about inclusion, you’re talking about exclusion. And it’s obvious to me you don’t know what you are.”
“I’d love to shake your hand tonight and truly believe that you have good will towards all people, and I can’t seem to come to that point,” Hamilton ended disappointed at Abbar.
There are thirty three states that still have at least 1 registered KKK branch and the Klan has been active since 1865. For African Americans and other ethnic groups they are the archetype of racism and white supremacy in the United States.
It is also rumored that Abbar gave a $30 donation and submitted the $20 start up fee to become a member of the NAACp but this is unconfirmed.