are proselytizing for new converts in West Virginia.
Disavowing any racism, the National Association for the Advancement
of White People says it merely wants to defend its race against an
onslaught of political correctness that puts whites at a disadvantage
on the campus and in the job market.
"It's not a racist group," insists Candace Bryant of Daniels, the
state leader.
"We're becoming a minority, a little bit at a time. They've given
special privileges to everybody. And this country was founded by
white Christians."
Bryant sees no difference in whites having a special organization to
promote their race than blacks rallying under the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
"We believe in equal rights for all," she said.
"The NAACP has been around for years. A lot is written in the papers
about them all the time, and it's a big, positive, unity thing when
it happens.
"But like with the NAAWP, you mention white and you're automatically
racist. That's how people have got it in their head. We're going to
change all that. We're trying to make a difference."
About 25 people in this area have become members, and the group is
planning a major rally July 26-28 on the old Boy Scout campground
along C&O Dam Road in Daniels.
News media will be refused admittance by security people.
- - - - -
While the group professes Christianity, one question arises: Are
white Jews welcome to join?
"I don't see why not," she said. "But we've never had any discussion
on that."
Non-whites can attend the rally, although Bryant's husband, Michael,
doubts any would feel comfortable.
"If they want to come to a white heritage festival, they're more than
welcome," he said.
"If they want to come with all the Rebel flags flying in there,
they're sure welcome. I don't think they would want to come to something like
that."
His wife says the group merely wants to defend the rights of whites
in the same fashion as the NAACP does for blacks.
"We're not a hate group," she said.
"I don't hate anybody. There are certain things I believe the country
was built on, certain principles. And we're getting away from all
that. Our forefathers made this a great melting pot. I wish they hadn't.
It's just gotten way out of hand."
The group, based nationally in Florida, doesn't spout white
supremacy, but rather feels all races should enjoy equal rights without any
special privileges accorded to any culture, she said.
"It makes me mad sometimes, though, that you mention the
word 'white,' and automatically you're deemed a racist," she said.
With plans by her husband and others to launch a new political party
in West Virginia, to be called the National Party, the group touts
conservative views.
"We believe in racial purity," Mrs. Bryant said.
"I believe in the Bible. God did not mean for races to mix. We're
against homosexuality. And abortion. And we would actually, and I
know this is a hard thing to do, get prayer back in school. It needs to be
put back in. The world is just going the wrong way."
