KKK Artifacts Discovered in Mississippi Department of Public Safety Closet
Officials at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety made a startling historical discovery while relocating to a new headquarters. They uncovered a collection of materials linked to the Ku Klux Klan, stored in a suitcase inside a closet. This find sheds light on a dark chapter of the state's past during the Civil Rights Movement era.
Contents of the Suitcase
The items included a robe, meeting notes, ledgers, propaganda materials, and membership records detailing dues payments. Authorities confirmed that these materials date back to the 1960s, a period when Klan activity surged in response to the Civil Rights Movement. Among the documents was a charter linked to the “White Knights” faction, outlining its mission in extreme ideological terms.
Handbook and Coded Notes
Officials also discovered a handbook, referred to as the “Kloran”, containing instructions and diagrams for organising meetings. Alongside this were coded notes designed to conceal the identities of members, highlighting the secretive nature of the group's operations during that time.
Verification of Authenticity
To verify the authenticity of the materials, local media consulted the family of Byron De La Beckwith, the man convicted in 1994 for the 1963 killing of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. His son confirmed that the handbook appeared genuine, adding credibility to the historical significance of the discovery.
Preservation for Historical Record
The items have since been handed over to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for preservation. Authorities stated that this discovery provides a stark reminder of the state’s past and will now be preserved for historical record and research, ensuring future generations can learn from this period.
