‘I’ll teach my grandkids to hate you’: Confederate-waving Missouri woman says in video
As rival protesters clashed at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Branson, Missouri, on Sunday, a woman waved the Confederate flag and told protesters “I will teach my grandkids to hate you all,” video shows.
The video quickly went viral on social media, amassing more than 7 million views on Twitter as of Tuesday, with the term “Branson” trending on the platform, Ozarks First reported.
In the video, a woman is seen sitting in the bed of a pickup truck with a Confederate flag draped over her legs.
After exchanging a few words with protesters who were supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, the woman points at someone off-camera and says “I will teach my grandkids to hate you all,” the video shows.
She then stands up and holds the flag in front of her, saying “suck on this” before flipping the flag over her shoulders and waving it behind her.
The woman then drops the flag to her side and thrusts a fist in the air and says “KKK belief,” the video shows.
The incident took place at a protest outside Dixie Outfitters, The Springfield News-Leader reported. More than 100 people stood on the sidewalks and in the parking lot in front of the shop, according to the newspaper.
Roughly 65 people were there to support Black Lives Matter and about 50 showed up to support the Confederate flag and the business, The News-Leader reported.
It was the second week protesters had gathered outside Dixie Outfitters, which sells Confederate-themed merchandise and promises on its website that customers are “sure to find your Southern spirit when you walk inside our store,” The Kansas City Star reported.
Anna and Nathan Robb, the store’s owners, also have family ties to the Ku Klux Klan, according to the report. Nathan’s father, Thomas Robb, helmed the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, inheriting the position from David Duke in 1980s, The Star reported.
Nathan Robb “once tried to adopt a highway in Arkansas on behalf of the Ku Klux Klan,” The News-Leader reported. Anna Robb said he pushed for that change “when he was very young” after she was questioned by the newspaper.
Anna Robb told the News-Leader in 2015 that she does not view the Confederate flag as a message about slavery or racism, but rather “faith, family and freedom.”
After the video spread across social media, Branson Mayor Edd Akers released a statement on the incident.
“The City of Branson does not condone any type of hate speech,” he said in the statement obtained by Ozarks First. “We have seen approximately seven demonstrations since May 30, all of which have been peaceful with no significant issues.
“The majority of the people of Branson are welcoming, open, and neighborly citizens. Many here have a strong moral background with servant’s hearts and a spirit of hospitality. We welcome all to come and experience our friendly town.”
This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 10:18 AM.