Alabama Democratic leader on KKK controversy: ‘Racist images have no place in... political discourse’

by Kalyn Dunkins

Alabama House Minority leader Anthony Daniels (D).

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D) released a statement condemning the behavior of Lawrence County Republican Party last week.

The organization posted an image to its Facebook page where KKK-hooded figures were drawn at the base of the GOP elephant.

“I was shocked, saddened, and disturbed to see the Lawrence County Republican Party’s shameful and racist post this week,” Daniels said. “Racist images have no place in our political discourse—period.”

Daniels went on to say that as the state of Alabama is the birthplace of former Congressman John Lewis, it is our job to speak up when we see or hear about imagery of this nature. He believes it’s important for us to preserve Lewis’ legacy, to not sit by idly.

“He fought for freedom, equality and basic human rights across the country, the South, and in our state of Alabama,” Daniels said of the late congressman.

Daniels emphasizes that images like the one published to the Facebook page are regressive to the progress of racial equity. He urges us to overcome these divisive tactics.

“I encourage them to also commit to working with me and other members of the Democratic Party to not only implement policies that move us forward,” said Daniels, “but a political environment where our young African-American students and children feel valued, safe, loved and represented by everyone in their state.”

The original image was taken from a Mother Jones story about racism within the Republican Party.

Shannon Terry, chairman of the Lawrence County Republican Party’s GOP, also issued an earlier apology.

This story was originally written and published for AL.com.