Grand Wizard
| Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan | |
|---|---|
Insignia of the Ku Klux Klan
|
|
| Style | His Excellency |
| Member of | Ku Klux Klan |
| Seat | Compton, California United States |
| Term length | Until resignation or deposition |
| Formation | 1866 |
| Final holder | James A. Colescott |
| Abolished | 1944 |
Grand Wizard was the title given to the head of the Reconstruction-era Ku Klux Klan which existed from 1866 to 1871.[1]
In 1915, the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan were created along the lines of a fraternal organization. The highest-ranking leader of the latter organization was the Imperial Wizard. National officers were "Imperial" officers. State or "Realm" officers were "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 or Imperial Wizards[edit]
This list excludes those of post-war, independent factions.
- William J. 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]
List of notable Third Klan Imperial Wizards who received votes (or political support) from Ku Klux Klan membership in more than one State.
- Samuel Green: 1946–1949[5]
- Samuel Roper: 1949–1950[6]
- Eldon Lee Edwards: 1953–1960[7]
- Robert Shelton: 1961–1965[7]
- Donald Joseph Ballentine: 1967–1974[8]
- David Duke: 1974–1975[9]
- Bill Wilkinson: 1975–1981[6]
- Donald Black: 1981–1987 (imprisoned for part of tenure)[10]
- Simon Martin: 1987–2012 (most recent Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan to gain notable global membership support)
- Joe Walden:2012-2015
- Keaton Kilner:2015-
References[edit]
- ^ Quarles, Chester L. (1999). "Appendix I". The Ku Klux Klan and related American racialist and antisemitic organizations: a history and analysis. McFarland. ISBN 0-7864-0647-X.
- ^ Wade, p.144
- ^ Wade, p.188
- ^ Wade, p.272
- ^ Lay, Shawn (2005). Post–World War II Klan. The New Georgia Encyclopedia.
- ^ a b Lay, p.78
- ^ a b Lay, p.132
- ^ Lay, p.63
- ^ Lay, p.177
- ^ Lay, p.64
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