I’m not sure how I missed this story, but it looks like H.K. Edgerton has given up his crusade to teach Americans about the loyalty of black Southerners to the Confederate cause. In the years leading up to his April 2007 decision to furl the flag Edgerton had become a popular fixture at various Southern Heritage rallies. He is best known for his trek in full Confederate uniform, along with his trusty Confederate flag, from Asheville, NC to Austin, TX. I’ve blogged about Edgerton in the past and what I take to be the proper context for interpreting his “mission.” In short, I think Edgerton has been influenced by an overly narrow memory of Southern history that reduces everything down to the Civil War and highlights the centrality of whites at the expense of black Southerners. Check out this YouTube video of Edgerton in action. I couldn’t help but think that this is a guy who wants to belong and identify with a past; unfortunately, he is unable to identify with anything beyond a bunch of guys parading as dead Confederate chieftains. How sad.
So why is Edgerton furling his flag? Turns out he has been accused of fraud:
Elijah Coleman, a prominent activist in the Georgia SCV, wrote a widely distributed E-mail in early March accusing Edgerton of selling hundreds of SCV-provided battle flags at a NASCAR event and pocketing the funds. Coleman also claimed that Edgerton was demanding huge sums for a new car, even after he was offered one costing $3,000.
“I began to see a new H. K. obsessed with money as he spoke of everyone ripping him off on past visits by him to Florida and other states. Money was the main thing on his mind,” wrote Coleman. “I realized he was now in the heritage fight only for the money.”
The article does not include any admission of guilt on the part of Edgerton, only that he has refrained from engaging in any public appearances. Edgerton seems to be proudest about his “H.K. Edgerton t-shirt” which is produced by Dixie Outfitters and included in its “Modern Confederate Hero Line.” I think that about sums it up.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
What a strange story! Here are Edgerton’s goodbye statement and a link to his commemorative T-shirt at Dixie Outfitters:
http://www.southerncaucus.org/hkaccounting.htm
http://www.barbershopping.com/pgi-Product%20Spec?5487L-T,DOother
Though I have to say (and I hope this does not come off as a cheap shot) what Edgerton reminds me of most is this David Chappelle routine:
http://www.southerncaucus.org/hkaccounting.htm
Duoh, wrong link above for the Chappelle routine it should have been:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y0puAaOia0
Thanks for the links Larry.
Apparently the flag is back out of its case:
http://southernheritage411.com/hke.php?nw=178
http://southernheritage411.com/hke.php?nw=186
Ken
Hi Ken, — Thanks for the update. The one silver lining in Edgerton’s return is that he makes for entertaining blogging.
You don't get it, if you were accused of fraud and were actually innocent, wouldn't you be angry enough to just quit it all before your name is thrown in the trash? Wouldn't you refuse to make public appearances to keep from being accused of fraud too? I would, because why would you continue this Crusade and allow the rumors and accusations to fester?
First, he is still making public appearances with his beloved flag and is even planning another march across the South. Edgerton's problem is that he demonstrates very little understanding of history.