Watch The Klan: A Legacy of Hate in America

The Klan: A Legacy of Hate in America is a documentary film first released in 1982. It is an unflinching examination of the history of one of America's most well-known hate groups, the Ku Klux Klan. The film is narrated by James Whitmore and takes viewers on a journey through the Klan's origins in the aftermath of the Civil War to its resurgence in the 20th century.

The film begins with a brief history of the Klan, including its formation in the aftermath of the Civil War and its first demise in the late 1800s. It then moves on to explore the Klan's resurgence in the 1920s, when it enjoyed widespread support throughout the country. The film examines the Klan's role in the rise of the Jim Crow laws, which denied African Americans their civil rights, and its violent attacks on minorities during this period.

The documentary then moves on to the Civil Rights era, when the Klan once again became a prominent force in American society. The film explores the Klan's role in the violence and intimidation that was directed towards civil rights activists, including the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963, which killed four young girls.

The film also examines the internal strife that plagued the Klan during this period, including the split between the traditionalists who wanted to maintain the Klan's white supremacist beliefs and the more radical members who wanted to take a more violent approach to achieving their goals. The documentary sheds light on the leadership struggles and infighting that ultimately led to the decline of the Klan in the 1970s and 1980s.

Throughout the film, viewers are introduced to several former Klan members and victims of Klan violence, who share their personal stories and experiences. The documentary also features interviews with historians and civil rights activists, who provide context and analysis of the Klan's role in American history.

The Klan: A Legacy of Hate in America is a powerful and disturbing look at one of America's darkest chapters. It is a reminder of the harm that can be inflicted by hate groups and the importance of fighting against bigotry and intolerance. The film does not shy away from the difficult and uncomfortable truths surrounding the Klan's history, and it serves as a sobering reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve racial harmony in America.

Overall, The Klan: A Legacy of Hate in America is a well-crafted and informative documentary that sheds light on one of the darkest aspects of American history. Through its vivid storytelling and insightful interviews, the film provides a compelling glimpse into the past, while offering a powerful message for the present and the future.