NAACP, KKK Leaders Have Historic Meeting Over Violence In Casper, Wyoming; How Did It Turn Out?

In what has to be an historic first leaders of the NAACP extended an invitation to a KKK leader in order to discuss the violence targeted against black men in the small town of Casper, Wyoming. In June of this year Casper NAACP President Jimmy Simmons invited John Abarr to come to Wyoming in order to discuss issues between both organizations. Much to Simmons' surprise Abarr accepted the invitation but first set up numerous ground rules before he would set foot in Casper.

Once Abarr arrived in Casper the meeting took place in a small conference room at the Parkway Plaza Hotel. The meeting was described as tension filled. When Abarr first arrived he extended his hand toward Simmons to offer a handshake. Simmons accepted and the two men sat down ready to discuss the philosophies of both groups. Simmons did most of the question asking during the meeting. He talked about the United Klans of America's desire see states succeed from the union. Abarr spoke about his belief that "color blindness doesn't even make sense," he is also opposed to interracial marriage.

Simmons seemed to have taken the high road while listening to the insensitive and racist comments made by Abarr. Simmons seemed more interested in getting to the heart of why the Klan member believes the way he does. Simmons did challenge Abarr on one or two occasions. Responding to Abarr's statement that no one in his family during the 1920's lynched black men Simmons said, "As far as you know." One of the key issues during the meeting was the violence committed against black men in Gillette, Wyoming. These men have been the victims of beatings and Simmons believes they started when the KKK began to distribute pamphlets in the town.

According to the report issued by the Wyoming Star Tribune Abarr spent much of the meeting trying to convince Simmons and the other members of the NAACP that United Klans of America is a peace loving Christian group. While Abarr did agree that the attacks on the black men in Gillette were hate crimes he also gave a bizarre statement as to why the Klan appeals to him, "I like it because you wear robes, and get out and light crosses, and have secret handshakes," he says. "I like being in the Klan - I sort of like it that people think I'm some sort of outlaw."

The exchange of words kept going back and forth between the two organizations. The only thing that was actually agreed on was the belief that the attacks on black men are hate crimes. After that was established Abarr kept trying to get the NAACP members to understand his group is nonviolent. Obviously insulted by this assertion one of the NAACP members, Mel Hamilton said to Abarr, "It's obvious you don't know the history of your organization It's obvious to me that you're not going out and talking about the good - you're not talking about inclusion, you're talking about exclusion."

The meeting and discussions continued for a little while after that. Some are calling the end of the meeting the strangest part of the encounter. John Abarr left after having filled out an application to join the NAACP.

More From Latin Times:

1-Year-Old Shot: Toddler Antiq Hennis Killed In Stroller In Brooklyn; Father May Have Been Target [VIDEO]

Pope Francis Plough Art; See 328-Foot Image Of Pope Artist Dario Gambarin Created In A Field [VIDEO]