Keep Talking Episode 24: Scott Shepherd - Leaving the Ku Klux Klan
Scott Shepherd is a speaker, consultant, and a former Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan. During our conversation, Scott talks about his upbringing, the path that led him to the KKK, his rise in its hierarchy, experiences that led him out of the organization, his relationship with Daryl Davis, and his message for the U.S. related to racism and race relations.
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(00:00) Intro
(01:02) Get to know Scott Shepherd
(02:21) Scott’s backstory and how he got to where he is today
(05:00) How the innate desire to find a tribe got Scott involved with the white supremacist movement and the Ku Klux Klan
(07:37) Scott talks about choosing to join the KKK
(09:20) How the promise of a family and home led Scott to ultimately join the KKK
(12:46) Scott’s knowledge and impression of KKK before becoming a member
(14:03) Scott explains that he wasn’t aware of the violent nature of the KKK prior to joining the organization
(14:58) What Scott was told about the KKK when he joined them
(16:41) Coming across racist views and judgments during Scott’s time with the KKK
(18:05) The components that led Scott to connect with the KKK initially
(19:41) Scott talks about being raised in by a black woman
(24:13) Being intimately associated with an African-American and the risks of banishment from the KKK
(26:04) The 15-20 years Scott spent with the KKK and his growth within the group
(29:46) Did Scott ever truly believe the KKK’s ideology of racism?
(33:49) The objectives of the KKK
(37:59) Battling conflicting beliefs on culture and racism and how Scott faced them
(45:41) How Scott’s mind changed over the years, and why he decided to leave the KKK
(53:49) Scott’s process of exiting the KKK
(56:18) Did Scott ghost the KKK?
(56:59) Scott’s relationship with Daryl Davis and Daryl's influence on his life
(01:08:28) What about Daryl and Daryl's message changed Scott's mind?
(01:16:39) The best way to educate people on topics like racism
(01:22:59) What should you do to help the nation progress and encourage inclusion
(01:27:00) Scott’s plans for the future