Wes Moore Says the KKK Chased His Great-Grandfather Out of South Carolina. Historical Records Tell a Different Story.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore's stories about his family's history, particularly concerning his great-grandfather and the Ku Klux Klan, have come under scrutiny. These tales, which emphasize themes of racial injustice and personal struggle, are foundational to Moore's public persona and political aspirations, especially as he considers running in the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. However, historical records challenge the accuracy of these claims.

1. Wes Moore's Narrative: Moore recounts that his great-grandfather, Rev. Josiah Johnson Thomas, fled South Carolina with his family to Jamaica in the 1920s after angering the Ku Klux Klan with his anti-racist sermons. This story highlights Moore's family legacy of overcoming racial injustice and has been a key part of his public speeches and memoirs.

2. Historical Contradictions: Investigations into church records and newspaper archives reveal discrepancies in Moore's account. The evidence indicates that Thomas did not flee secretly but rather made a formal transfer to Jamaica to succeed a deceased pastor. There is no substantial documentation suggesting he faced threats from the KKK.

3. Background of Rev. Josiah Thomas: Historical records show that Thomas was a respected member of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina and worked under the diocese's auspices without any indications of KKK hostility. Church officials noted the community's appreciation for his contributions, contradicting Moore’s claims of racial terror forcing his family to flee.

4. Moore's Broader Claims: Aside from the narrative about his great-grandfather, Moore has faced criticism for embellishing other aspects of his life, including his upbringing, military honors, and academic credentials. These misstatements raise questions about his credibility.

5. Expert Opinions: Scholars on the KKK clarify that while violence against Black individuals was part of their history, much of the Klan's activities during the 1920s focused on policing the moral behavior of white people, suggesting other potential explanations for why Thomas left the South that do not involve KKK intimidation.

6. Media Response: In response to inquiries about the validity of his narrative, Moore's spokesman accused critics of being ignorant of historical contexts regarding race relations in the 1920s South. However, the historical evidence presented suggests that Moore's understanding of his family's past may not align with documented facts.

Wes Moore’s powerful narrative of his family’s flight from the Ku Klux Klan has significant emotional resonance but is contradicted by historical records. As Moore looks toward a possible 2028 presidential run, these inaccuracies cast a shadow over his political narrative, challenging the integrity of his claims about his family's legacy and his personal accomplishments. The story serves as a reminder of the complexity of historical narratives and the importance of verifying facts amidst deeply personal histories. 

https://freebeacon.com/democrats/wes-moore-says-the-kkk-chased-his-great-grandfather-out-of-south-carolina-historical-records-tell-a-different-story/