Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan [calling card]

Files

Valentine_KKK Calling card I_V_90_220_02 rsz2.jpg

Title

Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan [calling card]

Description

Calling card of the Ku Klux Klan. Text reads, "Invisible Empire / Knights of the Ku Klux Klan / YOU HAVE BEEN PATRONIZED BY THE KKK / For Free Information Write / P. O. Box 700 Shelton, CT 06484"

Also printed on the card is a black and white cross within a red circle. The cross has a red drop-like shape at its center. This is a symbol that originated with the "Second Ku Klux Klan" of the early 1900s. The cross-like shape is formed by four letter "K" images arranged in a square facing outwards. In the center is a yin-yang symbol.

Eventually, the four letters were re-oriented to a more vertical position, causing the symbol to look like a cross instead. At the same time, the white part of the yin-yang symbol disappeared, leaving only the colored part, which resembled a drop of blood. 

Today, this symbol is known as the MIOAK (an acronym for "Mystic Insignia of a Klansman") or, more commonly, the Blood Drop Cross (See ADL, Hate Symbols Database).

Verso of this card has information about the mission of the Ku Klux Klan. 

Source

I.V.90.220.02, The Valentine

Contributor

The Valentine

Rights

The copyright and related rights status of this Item has been reviewed by the organization that has made the Item available, but the organization was unable to make a conclusive determination as to the copyright status of the Item. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. 
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/

Notes

Learn more: 
Ku Klux Klan in Virginia, Encyclopedia Virginia
Mapping the Second Ku Klux Klan, 1915-1940, VCU Libraries 
The Ku Klux Klan and Christian Churches, Union Presbyterian Seminary Library 
Backlash to Reform: Hatred and Extremism, Social Welfare History Image Portal

Collection

Citation

“Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan [calling card],” Social Welfare History Image Portal, accessed March 19, 2024, https://images.socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/items/show/287.