MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Sons of Confederate Veterans say they're upset with the Ku Klux Klan and are against their rally planned for downtown Memphis.
"I'm afraid that a counter rally or an anti-Klan rally from other elements in the city might show up and the situation might turn into a riot or something ugly as it has before. So we would prefer that the Klan not come to Memphis," said spokesman for Sons of Confederate Veterans Lee Millar.
The Klan is upset over the re-naming of Nathan Bedford Forrest Park, along with two others.
"I mean let's face it - Forrest was sort of an anti-hero in the Civil War, but he was also a mean slave owner from what I have read and understood, so me personally I would ignore them," said Memphis resident Fred Vannucci.
The Klan's last Memphis rally in January 1998 ended in violence. Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said his team is preparing for an even bigger crowd this time around.
"We're expecting those who support the KKK. We're expecting large crowds of those that oppose the views of the KKK. With that said again we'll prepare for the worst and pray for the best," said Armstrong.
Lee Millar may be against the KKK's planned rally, but he's also upset with the city council. "The city council needs to leave the parks alone, they've got more important things to do. These are 100 year old historic parks. They need to leave the names alone. By changing them, they're bringing a lot of rage among the citizens of Memphis and drawing personal attention and negative attention to Memphis trying to erase history," he said.
Meanwhile the KKK has already applied for a permit, putting Klan members one step closer to their rally.
"I don't plan to attend the march I've got things to do, more important things," said Memphis resident Joyce Harris.
"You just have to adapt to them, you either accept them for who they are or you don't and you move on with your life," said Memphis resident Zac Walls.
