An art club named KKK

Item

Legacies Classification
Memorial Organization
Memorial Type
Societies
Memorial Context
Lost Cause
Memorialized Subject
Ku Klux Klan
Title
An art club named KKK
Background and Context
The KKK was an inexplicably named art club that existed at Meredith College from 1906-1942. The KKK drew upon language and imagery that reflected Ku Klux Klan themes. For example, at times the club utilized the letter K in naming its officers "The Kaptains of the Klan." Professor Ida Poteat, art department head from the college's founding until her death in 1940, founded and served as the club's adviser for nearly four decades. The club was closely associated with Dr. Poteat as it disappeared within a few years after her death. Over time, the club's name changed slightly from simply KKK to K.K. Klub to K.K. Club. The use of the name KKK reflects themes that appear in early volumes of Oak Leaves, the college yearbook. Early volumes contain images and prose that reflect the racial climate of early twentieth century North Carolina. Among these are photographs of women in Ku Klux Klan attire, blackface theatrical performances, and Lost Cause themed tributes.
Creator/Participating Person(s)
Poteat, Ida Isabella
Date created, installed or dedicated
1906
Date Modified
1942
Location: Institution, City, State
Meredith College; Raleigh, North Carolina

Position: 131 (25 views)