Patriot Front’s Louisville March: A Call for Unity

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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Louisville Confronts Hate

The streets of downtown Louisville, Kentucky, recently witnessed a disturbing display of white supremacy. On July 6, 2025, a group identified as Patriot Front marched through the city, sparking immediate and strong condemnation from local leaders and civil rights organizations. This event, happening during a weekend meant for celebrating American freedoms, instead highlighted the persistent struggle against hate in our communities. The sight of these masked individuals, waving flags and carrying shields, sent a clear message of intimidation and division to everyone present.

Local officials and community leaders did not hesitate to speak out. The Louisville branch of the NAACP, through its President Raymond Burse, swiftly condemned the march. Mr. Burse stated that such displays of “venom and ignorance” would “never be tolerated” (wave3.com). Mayor Craig Greenberg also used social media to express his strong disapproval. He wrote that he “strongly condemn[ed] this group, their message and their activity,” emphasizing that they “have no place in our city or anywhere else” (wave3.com). These swift condemnations show a united front against the hateful ideology Patriot Front represents.

Understanding White Supremacy

To truly understand the threat posed by groups like Patriot Front, we must first understand what “white supremacy” means. White supremacy is a racist belief system that claims white people are superior to all other racial groups. This ideology suggests that white people should hold power and dominate society. Patriot Front, for example, believes that their white ancestors “conquered America and bequeathed it solely to them” (Patriot Front | Center on Extremism). This dangerous idea is at the core of their actions and their desire to create a white ethnostate, a nation exclusively for white people.

Patriot Front is not just a random collection of individuals; it is a structured white supremacist organization. It formed in 2017, directly after the infamous “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia (nbcnews.com). The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) tracks Patriot Front as a hate group (nbcnews.com). Their manifesto openly calls for a white ethnostate (nbcnews.com). Furthermore, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) notes that the phrase “Reclaim America” became closely linked with Patriot Front after the group separated from Vanguard America (wcvb.com). This phrase, “Reclaim America,” implies that America was once a white nation that needs to be taken back, echoing their exclusionary and racist vision.

The Charlottesville Catalyst

The “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017, was a pivotal moment for white nationalist movements in the United States. This gathering brought together various white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and other far-right extremists. They were protesting the removal of a Confederate statue, a symbol deeply tied to slavery and racial oppression. The rally quickly turned violent, leading to many injuries and, tragically, the death of a counter-protester when a white supremacist drove his car into a crowd (Patriot Front | Center on Extremism). This event was significant because it showed the growing aggression and visibility of these hate groups. It also served as a direct catalyst for the formation of Patriot Front, which broke away from another group, Vanguard America, in the aftermath of the rally (Patriot Front | Center on Extremism).

The slogans used by these groups, such as “blood and soil” and “for race and nation,” are deeply rooted in extremist rhetoric. “Blood and soil” (German: Blut und Boden) is a Nazi-era slogan that emphasizes racial purity and a strong connection to a specific homeland. It promotes the idea that a particular ethnicity belongs to a particular land. Similarly, “for race and nation” is a white nationalist slogan that directly expresses the belief in the superiority and preservation of a specific race and its associated nation-state (Patriot Front | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University). These phrases are not just words; they are calls to action for an exclusionary and ethno-nationalist vision, a vision that threatens the diversity and equality we strive for in America.

The Masked Men: Why They Hide

One of the most striking features of Patriot Front’s public demonstrations is their practice of concealing their identities. Members often wear masks, face coverings, or even riot shields, as seen in Louisville (wave3.com). For instance, during a march in Philadelphia, members wore white face coverings, blue shirts, and khaki pants (theroot.com). In Boston, dozens of Patriot Front individuals had their faces hidden by white coverings during a Fourth of July weekend march (wcvb.com). This practice serves several purposes for the group. It helps them project an image of strength and unity, making them appear more formidable. More importantly, it allows them to avoid identification, protecting them from potential consequences like job loss, social ostracization, or legal action.

The implications of this anonymity are significant for public safety and law enforcement. When individuals are masked, it becomes much harder for police to identify those who might be engaging in unlawful activities. This lack of accountability can embolden participants, making them feel less responsible for their actions and potentially leading to more aggressive behavior. The practice of concealing identities has also led to efforts by opponents to “unhood” or identify these white supremacists (patch.com). This ongoing tension between the group’s desire for anonymity and the public’s right to know who is spreading hate highlights a complex challenge for communities and law enforcement alike.

Patriot Front’s Reach and Impact

Patriot Front is not confined to Louisville; it is one of the most active extremist groups in the United States (SPLC Releases Interactive Timeline of Patriot Front Activity). While exact membership numbers are not publicly known, their activities span across the country. They engage in propaganda campaigns, which include distributing flyers, hanging banners, and organizing “flash marches” in various cities (Patriot Front | Program on Extremism | The George Washington University). These flash marches are often unannounced, designed to maximize shock and intimidation before authorities or counter-protesters can fully respond.

Their presence has been documented in numerous locations, showing their widespread reach. In September 2022, about 75 members marched through downtown Indianapolis (Dangerous Organizations and Bad Actors: The Patriot Front). Smaller groups have also demonstrated at LGBTQ+ events in Texas (Dangerous Organizations and Bad Actors: The Patriot Front). In May 2023, approximately 150 members marched through Washington, D.C. (Dangerous Organizations and Bad Actors: The Patriot Front). Earlier, in July 2021, masked members marched through Philadelphia, where they were reportedly run off by angry onlookers (nbcnews.com). In July 2022, arrests were made during a Patriot Front march in Boston’s Jamaica Plain, which happened during a drag queen story hour (wcvb.com). These incidents show a pattern of deliberate provocation and a clear intent to spread their hateful message across the nation.

The Confederate Flag: A Symbol of Hate

During the Louisville march, video footage showed Patriot Front members waving variations of the American flag and, notably, Confederate flags (wave3.com). For many, especially within the African American community, the Confederate flag is not just a historical symbol. It is a potent emblem of slavery, racial oppression, and white supremacy. It represents a period in American history when Black people were enslaved and treated as property, and it was the banner under which states fought to preserve that brutal system. Displaying this flag today is a deliberate act of provocation and a clear statement of alignment with racist ideologies.

The continued display of the Confederate flag by groups like Patriot Front underscores their rejection of modern American values of equality and justice. It serves as a reminder of the deep-seated racial tensions that still exist. Its presence at these marches is meant to intimidate and assert a false claim of dominance. For Black communities, seeing this flag is a painful reminder of past injustices and a warning of ongoing threats to their safety and dignity. It is a symbol that has no place in a society striving for unity and respect among all its people.

Legal Loopholes and Police Response

The Patriot Front march in Louisville raised questions about legal enforcement, particularly regarding permits and the city’s mask ban. The NAACP indicated that the march was apparently held without a permit, which would be a violation of city code (wave3.com). Louisville also has a 1983 ban on wearing masks in public, which Patriot Front members clearly violated. Despite these apparent violations, Louisville police stated that no unlawful activity was observed, and no intervention was required (wave3.com). This stance caused confusion and concern among citizens.

Mayor Greenberg addressed the mask ban, explaining that the city had not been enforcing it on people “exerting their First Amendment right,” whether it was this “hateful, disgusting group or other groups that are wearing masks as well” (wave3.com). He did suggest that the city “may revisit that” policy (wave3.com). This situation highlights a delicate balance between protecting free speech and ensuring public safety and order. It also raises questions about the criteria police use to determine “unlawful activity” in such demonstrations, especially when the presence of riot shields and masked individuals can create an intimidating atmosphere for the public, regardless of specific actions.

Community Response and Moving Forward

The impact of these marches on local communities, especially marginalized groups, is profound. Such displays of hate can create fear, anxiety, and a sense of insecurity. They can also strain social cohesion and public safety. The Louisville NAACP called on all local businesses, organizations, and elected officials to make public statements condemning the march. NAACP President Raymond Burse emphasized the need for the community to be unified against such hate, stating, “as a community, across all those groups, we’re unified and not wanting or accepting what took place yesterday” (wave3.com).

Beyond condemnation, communities and authorities must consider what actions can be taken to prevent or respond to such demonstrations in the future. This includes reviewing and potentially strengthening city ordinances related to public demonstrations and mask-wearing, as Mayor Greenberg suggested. It also involves continued vigilance and education about the nature of white supremacist groups. The Louisville incident serves as a stark reminder that while hate groups may adapt their tactics, the resolve of communities to stand against racism and division must remain strong. The fight for true equality and justice requires constant effort and a unified voice from all who believe in a more inclusive America.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.