R. Derek Black, the child of notorious Ku Klux Klan leader Don Black, has completely rejected his family's white nationalist ideology and documented his transformation in a recently published memoir titled "The Klansman's Son." Released in May 2024 by Abrams Press, the book covers Black's journey from being a prominent figure in the white nationalist movement to becoming an advocate for antiracism, as well as his experiences coming out as transgender.
Born in 1989 in Florida, Black was deeply entrenched in white nationalist beliefs, co-hosting "The Don and Derek Black Show" and creating a children-focused subset of the hate website Stormfront. His early life involved numerous public appearances, including a notable interview on "The Jenny Jones Show" at age 10.
In 2010, while attending New College of Florida, Black began reevaluating his beliefs after being exposed by fellow students. This critical period marked his ideological shift. Black's memoir delves into the personal challenges and societal influences that shaped his early years and his eventual path toward antiracism.
Since then, Black has engaged in public education, speaking engagements, and workshops, collaborating with organizations like Ibram X. Kendi’s Center for Antiracism Research. However, his family, who remain aligned with the white nationalist movement, have not welcomed his revelations favorably.