This week, A&E announced the premiere of a new television reality series called Generation KKK and created an unsettling uproar from people across the country. Celebrities and everyday people alike took to social media to express their disdain about the new series in fear of A&E’s efforts to normalize the Ku Klux Klan.
The 8-part series takes a look into four prominent Klan families and the relatives that are looking to escape the lifestyle of the KKK. The show also follows people that are involved in anti-hate groups that are looking to disrupt the influence of the group and convince people to leave the Klan.
In response to the social media outrage of the show’s promotion, A&E released an 8-minute clip of Generation KKK that gives a more information about the controversial issue.
The clip opens with a profile of Steven Howard, the Imperial Wizard of the North Mississippi White Knights, as he presents his daughters with Klan paraphernalia as a gift. However, one of his daughters is not too fond of the organization and does not want to continue her father’s legacy.
Howard, who has hopes of becoming the next David Duke, is seen talking to children about what the KKK means and why it is important. Basing his opinions on a strong Christian faith, 34-year-old Howard strongly believes in preservation of the White race and that he was called to lead people through Christ to the KKK.
The clip also profiles a group of anti-hate activists that investigate and speak with families of Klan members to convince them to turn away from their bigoted ways. The team is made up of Daryle Lamont Jenkins, co-founder of One People’s Project; Arno Michaelis, an author, peace educator and former skinhead who joined the KKK at the age of 16; and Bryon Widner, a reformed Neo-Nazi who left the lifestyle to be a better example for his son.
Watch the full clip of Generation KKK below which premieres January 10th at 10pm ET/PT on A&E:
