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Bay County NAACP Chapter President Concerned Over Local KKK Recruitment Efforts

A local chapter of the NAACP is warning officials about Ku Klux Klan recruitment efforts and how that could impact the Bay County area. It comes in the aftermath of the Charlottesville protest violence and the ongoing debate over the removal of Confederate statues across the U.S.

Earlier this week, Sunnyside Community residents in Panama City beach woke up to find recruitment fliers on their driveways, stating the “KKK wants you!” Included in baggies filled with rocks, the fliers also said “only white Christians should apply” to the American Christian Knights, a branch of the KKK.

“Unfortunately, in 2017, we’re still having to deal with racism, bigotry, and all kinds of prejudices….I think it’s sad, but it’s a reality,” said Rufus Wood, the Bay County NAACP chapter President.

Wood says the KKK is within its rights to assemble and distribute fliers. But, during a recent meeting, Wood warned Panama City Beach commissioners to be on guard.

“Perhaps, we just need to be on guard,” he added. “I know that they do have a First Amendment right in terms of assembling, and even the fliers, they do have the right to recruit. So, hopefully, we can put the police chief and other law enforcement officers on notice.”

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.