Viral Mebane 'KKK march' photo is not what it seems
MEBANE, NC -- You may have seen a viral photo on your social media feeds Wednesday Mebane, North Carolina, purportedly showing the KKK marching over a highway bridge in celebration of Donald Trump's win. This photo however, is not what it seems.
Natalie Janicello, a reporter with the Burlington Times News, tells ABC11 that the alleged march is actually a group of Donald Trump supporters who take part in the "Flagging 40" initiative. "Flagging 40" is a Christian conservative movement that calls on supporters to rally on bridges that cross Interstate 40. The protesters wave American and Christian flags at the passing traffic below.
The group in Mebane told the Burlington Times News that they've rallied more than a dozen times on the bridge over I-40.
Mebane is now trending on both Twitter and Facebook due to the photo being shared so many times. The original tweet has since been deleted.
Later Wednesday, the City of Mebane issued a statement saying it "condemns any hatred and discrimination and strives to be a City of inclusion representing tolerance of one's race, religion, and political affiliation."
The release also said: It is our city's diversity that makes it strong and a desirable place to live. It is why our byline is "Mebane, Positively Charming."
The city also highlighted its diversity as a reason for recent economic growth:
"Our city's attitude of inclusion is one reason why Prescient Company recently announced it is building its East Coast headquarters in Mebane. Lotus Bakeries, from Belgium just announced a new bakery in our city. Lidl, the largest grocery chain in Europe broke ground eleven months ago for its grocery distribution center, and Walmart has just opened up its fresh food distribution center. Mebane is a better place with companies like Morinaga America Foods that have not only made Mebane their American home, but add to the City's overall diversity."
