(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/2/2021) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, today welcomed removal of the remains of Confederate General Bedford Forrest, a slave trader and early leader of the racist Ku Klux Klan, from a Tennessee park. That relocation to a museum is intended to be completed in time for the annual Juneteenth festival.
SEE: Removal of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s remains underway at Memphis park
Remains of early Ku Klux Klan leader removed from Tennessee park
Work Begins To Remove Body Of KKK Leader From Memphis Park
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/memphis-body-nathan-bedford-forrest-park_n_60b78e34e4b001ebd46c9cbc
“While every person deserves a dignified burial, a traitor who fought to defend slavery and promoted systemic anti-Black racism does not deserve to be buried in a place of honor,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.
He noted that earlier this year, CAIR condemned as “pro-Confederate” a bill in the Tennessee Senate that would replace every member of a state board that voted to remove a bust of Forrest from the State Capitol.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Tenn. ‘Pro-Confederate’ Bill to Replace Commission Members Who Voted to Remove KKK Leader’s Statue
Hooper said CAIR has repeatedly urged the removal of Confederate holidays, symbols and racist laws.
SEE: CAIR Condemns ‘Celebration’ of North Carolina ‘Confederate Day’
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com