re: AL State Rep WIll Dismukes

Forrest actually tried to disband the KKK when he saw they were starting to use lynchings to further their goals. When he couldn't he left the organization.

But, it wasn't very smart of Will to put this on Facebook in today's political climate.

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He spoke they're solely on Forests service as a Confederate leader, not as a KKK leader.


But Democrats aren't smart enough to distinguish between the two.

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Or what about Forrest rebuking the violent nature of some Klan organizations and his attempts at reconciliation with black folks?

A speech to the Proto-NAACP:

1875 talk by NBF

Highlights -

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I will say to you and to the colored race that men who bore arms and followed the flag of the Confederacy are, with very few exceptions, your friends. I have an opportunity of saying what I have always felt - that I am your friend, for my interests are your interests, and your interests are my interests. We were born on the same soil, breathe the same air, and live in the same land. Why, then, can we not live as brothers?

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I want to elevate you to take positions in law offices, in stores, on farms, and wherever you are capable of going.

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I want you to come nearer to us. When I can serve you I will do so. We have but one flag, one country; let us stand together. We may differ in color, but not in sentiment. Use your best judgement in selecting men for office and vote as you think right.

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Many things have been said about me which are wrong, and which white and black persons here, who stood by me through the war, can contradict. I have been in the heat of battle when colored men, asked me to protect them. I have placed myself between them and the bullets of my men, and told them they should be kept unharmed. Go to work, be industrious, live honestly and act truly, and when you are oppressed I'll come to your relief. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for this opportunity you have afforded me to be with you, and to assure you that I am with you in heart and in hand.

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