Morris Dees Takes on IKA

I think it's only fitting that Morris Dees from the Southern Poverty Law Center is going to court this Wednesday to take on the Imperial Wizard of the Imperial Klans of America. It was 20 years ago on that date that Mulugeta Seraw, an Ethiopian National, was murdered on the streets of Portland by racist skinheads. Below is a letter he sent out yesterday.

Nov. 10, 2008


Dear Friend,

I'm writing to you from Brandenburg, Kentucky, where I'll be going to court Wednesday against the leader of Imperial Klans of America (IKA) to win justice for a teenage boy who was brutally beaten by IKA members.

Led by Imperial Wizard Ron Edwards, the IKA is one of the largest and most dangerous Klan organizations in the country. Each year, Edwards hosts a "white-power" rally at his compound, where he indoctrinates followers in hate and violence through speeches, music and the display of violent, racist imagery. They even bring little children to this festival of hate.

You may recall that our client, Jordan Gruver, was attacked by Klansmen who had attended one of Edwards' white-power rallies and were recruiting for the IKA at a county fair. They thought Jordan was, in their words, an "illegal spic." Jordan, who's a U.S. citizen, suffered serious injuries, including a broken jaw.

I wish you could be in the courtroom with us, but it's not wise. We've received numerous threats since we filed the suit.

I'm deeply grateful to you for helping us seek justice for Jordan and, hopefully, put these hate-mongers out of business.

SPLC President Richard Cohen, who is here with me, will be updating you on our progress throughout the trial.

Sincerely,

Morris Dees