Grand Wizard

Grand Wizard was the title given to the head of the Reconstruction-era Ku Klux Klan which existed from 1865 to 1869.

History

In 1915, the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan were created along the lines of a fraternal organization. The highest-ranking leader of that latter-day organization was the Imperial Wizard. National officers were styled "Imperial" officers. State or "Realm" officers were styled "Grand" officers. A "Grand Dragon", for example, was the highest-ranking Klansman in a given state.

Following World War II, dozens of people have assumed the "Wizard" title as leaders of the numerous, independent, Klan-oriented organizations that have existed since then, the majority of which lack historical significance.

Grand Wizards or Imperial Wizards

This list excludes those of post-war, independent factions.

Nathan Bedford Forrest, Grand Wizard, Reconstruction Klan, 1867–1869^[1]
William Joseph Simmons, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1915–1922^[2]
Hiram Wesley Evans, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1922–1939^[3]
James A. Colescott, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1939–1944^[4]
David E. Duke, Grand Wizard, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, 1974–1979/1980^[5]
Donald "Don" Black, Grand Wizard, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, 1979/1980–1981^[6]^{[better source needed]}

References

^ Wade 1980^{[page needed]}
^ Wade 1980, p. 144.
^ Wade 1980, p. 188.
^ Wade 1980, p. 272.
^ "The Hatemongers Get a New Tailor". The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. 14: 32. Winter 1996–97.JSTOR 2962812
^ Don Black (white supremacist)

Sources

Wade, Wyn Craig (1998). The Fiery Cross: the Ku Klux Klan in America. Oxford University Press US. ISBN 0-19-512357-3. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)

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[1] Wade 1980^{[page needed]}

[FOOTNOTEWade1980144-2] Wade 1980, p. 144.

[FOOTNOTEWade1980188-3] Wade 1980, p. 188.

[FOOTNOTEWade1980272-4] Wade 1980, p. 272.

[5] "The Hatemongers Get a New Tailor". The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. 14: 32. Winter 1996–97.JSTOR 2962812

[6] Don Black (white supremacist)

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v t e Grand Wizards and Imperial Wizards of the Ku Klux Klan
First Klan	Nathan Bedford Forrest (1867–1869)
Second Klan	William Joseph Simmons (1915–1922) Hiram Wesley Evans (1922–1939) James A. Colescott (1939–1944)
Remnants of the Second Klan	Samuel Green (1946–1949) Samuel Roper (1949–1950) Eldon Edwards (c. 1950–1959) Roy Davis (1959–1964)
United Klans of America	Robert Shelton (1960–1987)
White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan	Samuel Bowers (1964–1989) Johnny Lee Clary (1989–1990)
Knights of the Ku Klux Klan	David Duke (1974–1979/1980) Don Black (1979/1980–1981) Thomas Robb (1989- )

History

Grand Wizards or Imperial Wizards

See also

References

Sources