(Memphis) The controversy over the names of three Memphis Parks is not over. The Ku Klux Klan is now sending emails to the City Council, saying they betrayed Memphians by changing the names of three Memphis parks that were linked to the civil war.
“You have once again under estimated the will and devotion of the true white patriot,” states one email written to the Memphis City Council by a man claiming to be part of the Ku Klux Klan.
Councilman Myron Lowery says the council has been flooded with emails from all over the country since the council voted to change the names of three Memphis parks; Forrest Park, Confederate Park and Jefferson Davis Park.
“The emails are full of hate and derogatory terms, things you wouldn’t want to repeat on television,” expressed Lowery.
The council changed the names this past week because of a proposed state law that would force parks named after wars or veterans to stick. One KKK email calls the council`s move cowardly and traitorous. But Lowery says it`s the KKK that`s made up of cowards hiding behind masks.
“I think they are America’s Taliban. The KKK, they think they will get respect and they will not,” said Lowery.
Other KKK members claim they will hang out in the three Memphis parks to remind Memphians of America`s history, which members of the white supremacist group say the council is trying to sweep under the rug.
“This is not new to the city council. We have been threatened before by the KKK. We didn`t expect it this time, but here it is,” said Lowery.
In 1998, a large KKK rally was held downtown when the council looked at changing the name of Forrest Park then. There are talks another rally is coming soon. And the emails threaten the council saying, “Remember you drew the line in the sand and this is but the beginning of the battle you have chosen.”
Lowery says the KKK’s reaction should just be ignored.
“Peaceful protests, that’s a right everyone has. It is their right to protest. But we will not tolerate violence, name calling or racist attitudes in this city,” said Lowery.
