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Groups Condemn “Cowardly” Distribution of KKK Flyers

State and local groups are denouncing the recent distribution of racist flyers promoting white supremacy groups in Memphis.

The flyers have been seen around the city in the past few days, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and The NAACP Memphis Branch. They allegedly show anti-immigrant images and are similar to ones seen recently in other Tennessee cities, Ohio, and Virginia. 

CAIR said one flyer promotes the Ku Klux Klan. Another promotes “another white supremacist group.” Such flyers for Patriot Front have recently surfaced in other areas.

Public images of the flyers online are scarce. Some that were posted on social media were removed for their content. This was the case for the Ludlow (Kentucky) Police Department that said, “after some discussion we have decided to take down the flyer because it serves no real purpose but we will keep this post up.”

“We are aware and have already taken one report for this disturbing and disgusting KKK propaganda that is being passed around our community,” the agency said on Facebook. “This hateful garbage has been turning up in other cities as well.” 

One flyer from the KKK shows Uncle Sam kicking people with the phrase, “Leave now. Self deport.” Another shows Uncle Sam with his foot on a cage full of people with the same phrase and, “Americans on guard. Help us protect our homeland.” 

The NAACP described the distribution of the flyers as “cowardly acts.” Those responsible party’s “attempt to divide us will not succeed.”

Credit: NAACP Memphis Branch

“These actions are deeply offensive to the values of equality, unity, and justice that our community hold dear,” said NAACP Memphis Branch president Kermit Moore. “The circulation of such vile propaganda under the name ‘The Ram of the Knights’ seeks to intimidate, sow fear, and divide our city at a time we must come together to address critical challenges and uplift one another.

“The reprehensible act reminds us of the ongoing presence of hatred and racism that we must confront and dismantle with unwavering resolve.”

The group asked local leaders and agencies to condemn the flyers and asked local police to investigate the matter.   

CAIR has condemned similar racist and white supremacist activity in Tennessee and around the country in recent years. The group echoed the sentiment of the NAACP. 

“This type of hate propaganda will not succeed in intimidating or dividing the communities of Memphis or any other American city,” said CAIR national communications director Ibrahim Hooper.