Helen Majzler chairs the Adult Formation committee at the Light of Christ Church in Longmont which has committed itself to social justice. The committee researched and learned about the KKK’s role in Boulder County and want to explore the lasting impact of the supremacy organization with the Longmont Community.
In 2023, Majzler read “Fever in the Heartland” by Tim Eagon and “Gangbuster,” by Allen Prendergast. These books discuss the history of the KKK which led Majzler to research the Klan’s role in Boulder County.
“It turns out that there was a sizable number of people who did join the Klan in Boulder and in Longmont,” Majzler said. “We think that the Klan is sort of over and done. We think that hate groups disappeared in America when the Klan was disbanded, but actually, they are alive and well.”
More than 1,500 extremist groups are operating in America, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center which tracks hate groups. Colorado is home to 31 of these groups and gather along the Front Range, Majzler said.
“It led us to believe that this is not just an issue of history but that, to the degree that we as a faith community can shed light on this issue of hate and division, it offers a witness to stand up for the beliefs that we at Light of Christ believe,” Majzler said.
Concerned about the culture of hate and division in America, the church thought this topic was worth exploring more in hopes of promoting acceptance within the Longmont community.
The church is offering two opportunities for the Longmont community to learn more about the Klan’s impact on Longmont. On March 23, the church will host a presentation that will explore the history of the Klan in American and in Boulder County. Following the presentation, the church will show a PBS documentary on the Klan’s history in Colorado. A group discussion will follow where participants will have an opportunity to share their experiences, insights and recommendations. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at the Light of Christ Ecumenical Catholic Community church, 1000 W. 15th St.
On March 29, or Good Friday, the church will host an alternative way to walk the stations of the cross. A procession will be led through Longmont, beginning at Roosevelt Park and ending at Third Avenue and Martin Street. The stops along the 1.3 mile walk were known KKK rally points and parade routes, according to Majzler. Participants will learn about the history of the sites as well be invited to listen to “an alternate interpretation of the passion of Jesus,” according to the event notice. Prayer and reflection will be included in the walk. People of all or no faith are welcome to join.
The procession will begin at 1 p.m. at Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave., near the Memorial Building parking lot.
