"Did you hear about the KKK sign that was in the square today?" As I looked down at my phone, reading this text from my friend, I was filled with shock and horror. I couldn't believe that this wonderful mountain town I now call home could be supporting such a murderous movement. I moved to Dahlonega last August to attend college, along with thousands of other students. Since then, this town has showed me nothing but love and acceptance. Now I'm not so sure, for on February 16, a 6-foot by 2-and-a-half-foot sign appeared in the middle of the Dahlonega square featuring a Klansman, holding out his hand and displaying the words, "Historic Ku Klux Klan Meeting Hall."
As if that wasn't enough, it was hung alongside several Confederate and KKK flags. Local historians argue that there is no factual evidence that this building had anything to do with the KKK. It was later discovered that the sign was hung by the owner of the building, Roberta Green. Since she hung it without a permit, the sign was taken down. However, the mayor released a statement explaining that Green is going through the process of obtaining a permit which will allow her to rehang this sign. The city says that they cannot stop her once she has this permit, because preventing her would violate her right to freedom of speech.
The day after I heard this news, I drove through the square to get to Walmart. I was thrilled to see groups of people walking the square, holding up signs saying "Not In My Town!" We won't stand for it. This act of discrimination and closed-mindedness has the potential to not only turn away much of Dahlonega's community, but also negatively affect its tourist based economy. It's said that Green used this as a tactic to gain traction for her desire to replace the Parks Building with a hotel and parking deck. Though this may have been an attempt to strike back at the City Hall, it's done so much more than that. It's threatened the safety of minorities at UNG and living in Dahlonega. It's threatened the business of local store owners. It's threatened the reputation of this generous and caring town. It's threatened the centuries of combatting against racism in the South.
This is a stinging reminder that, though it is 2017, we still have a ways to go for full racial equality. When it comes to the way people treat other people, there is still often an underlying racist point of view. Knowing that a sign encouraging that worldview could be permanently hung in my college town frightens me.
I don't deny that Green has the constitutional right to express her beliefs on her own property. But, as a minority and an individual, I am using my constitutional right to express my beliefs, too. Ms. Green is titled to her own opinions, but when those opinions threaten the safety of those I care about, I will take a stand. Dahlonega is not a town of racism, but a town with a huge heart.
Ms. Green, please think about the ways this could negatively affect our community before you go through with this. Remember that it's 2017, and no matter what, this country will only continue to grow in diversity.
