David Duke
Quick Summary
David Duke is an American politician and former Ku Klux Klan (KKK) grand wizard. The KKK is a hate organization that has historically employed terror to advance a white supremacist agenda.12
There have been two distinct KKK organizations in the U.S. The first emerged after the Civil War, aiming to restore white supremacy through intimidation and violence against newly freed Black individuals. The second, founded in 1915, expanded its targets to include Catholics, Jews, foreigners, and labor unions, fueled by nativist sentiments and anxieties about social change.1
Duke's political career included a notable run for governor of Louisiana in 1991. He advanced to the general election after winning the primary, but ultimately lost. His campaign faced significant opposition, including threats of economic boycotts from civil rights organizations and corporations, which impacted the state's economy.12
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