Missouri is a state with a long and troubled history of racism and discrimination. From the slavery era to the civil rights movement, Missouri has witnessed many instances of racial violence and injustice. But which city in Missouri is the most racist today? According to some sources, the answer is Harrison, a small town in the northwestern part of the state.
Harrison’s History of Racism
Harrison, which has a population of 13,000, has a long association with white supremacy, rooted in racial violence and riots that drove out Black residents in the early 1900s. Harrison was the birthplace of the second Ku Klux Klan in 1915, a violent hate group that terrorized Black people and other minorities across the country. Harrison was also the headquarters of the White Citizens’ Council, a segregationist organization that opposed the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, Harrison is home to several neo-Nazi and white nationalist groups, such as the National Association for the Advancement of White People, the Knights Party, and the Covenant, Sword, and Arm of the Lord. These groups have been known to distribute racist flyers, hold rallies, and display billboards that promote white supremacy and anti-Semitism. Harrison has also been the site of several hate crimes, such as the murder of a gay couple in 2011 and the vandalism of a Hispanic church in 2014.
Harrison’s Efforts to Change
Despite its reputation as the most racist city in Missouri, Harrison has also seen some efforts to change its image and foster diversity and inclusion. Some residents have formed groups such as the Harrison Community Task Force on Race Relations, the Harrison Area Chamber of Commerce Diversity Committee, and the Boone County Ministerial Alliance, which aim to combat racism and promote dialogue and understanding among different groups.
These groups have organized events such as the Race Unity Rally, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, and the Diversity Festival, which celebrate the contributions and cultures of various communities. Some residents have also spoken out against racism and discrimination, such as Tanisha Webb, a Black woman who moved to Harrison in 2017 and became the first Black city council member in 2020.
Webb has said that she wants to be a voice for the marginalized and underrepresented people in Harrison and to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that exist in the town. Webb has also said that she has experienced kindness and support from many people in Harrison and that she believes that the town can overcome its racist past and present.
Conclusion
Harrison, Missouri, has been named the most racist city in the state by some sources, based on its history and current presence of white supremacist groups and activities. However, Harrison has also seen some signs of progress and hope, as some residents have tried to fight against racism and foster a more diverse and inclusive community.
Harrison is a city that reflects the complex and contradictory nature of race relations in America, a city that faces many challenges but also has many opportunities to change and grow.