Becca Heller, Garret Craig, Sarah DeArmon
·3 min read
About four months ago, neon pink signs bearing the initials “KKK” took Sylva by storm. The outrageous display was made possible by the misspelling of words like “Kurve,” “Kove” and “Kommerce” — paired with the first names of investors Kim and Kole Clapsaddle.
In a recent article published in The Sylva Herald, the Clapsaddles defended their affinity for K words, noting that all their own names and children’s names started with K. But in 2024, it’s difficult to imagine that anyone, let alone a business, could be so wholly tone deaf.Many of us see it for something else: a racist dog whistle. A wink at the history and current reality of racism entrenched in Southern Appalachian culture. A message that is not welcome in this town.
And, unfortunately, the promotional signs were just the warning shot.
The signs promoted commercial properties all over our town — properties that may soon, presumably, bear those same disgraceful names.
Initial community outrage may have been quieted by the mayor-advised removal of the promotional signs. But the Clapsaddles still have a choice to make as they bring these businesses to life. That choice — how they will market their empire — is bound to shape their relationship with Sylva forever, while shaping the image of our community itself.
Sylva is small in numbers but not in spirit. Anyone who’s spent a dime here knows our strong sense of community, our swelling pride in our small businesses, and our neighborly small-town feel. It’s this charm, along with the town’s inclusive and quirky nature, that makes Sylva what it is: a unique haven that speaks to everyone from college students and young families to long-time locals. And let’s not forget the thousands of tourists who flock to Sylva year-round — upon whom our small economy relies.
The Clapsaddles’ imprint on broader perceptions of this town has already been felt. A quick Google search reveals countless laments from students, visitors and residents about how the “KKK” signs stained the identity of this community that we love.
If the Clapsaddles think their business can stay afloat with tourists, they’d be wise to consider that more than 50% of tourists consider diversity within the local population when choosing their vacation destination — KKK marketing sends the opposite message — and 30% of travelers in the age group of 20-30 years consider local culture and indulgence in local activities a unique selling point when traveling (MarketData, 2024).
As the N.C. 107 project looms, our town is going to be inevitably reshaped. We believe the diverse individuals who make Sylva what it is should do the shaping — not wealthy investors who reside elsewhere most of the year.
Moving forward, it falls upon the residents of Sylva to hold those in power accountable and demand the necessary action to prevent our town from being tarnished by association with the Ku Klux Klan. As stewards of this town, we must ensure our home is a beacon of inclusivity, tolerance and respect.
If the Clapsaddles stay the course and local government fails to take action to prevent our town from being turned into a prop for the KKK, the people of Sylva will wield our purchasing power to ensure that these storefronts implode.
Businesses looking for space to rent, take note: We will organize. We will protest. We will boycott. And we will never forget the disrespect.
The Clapsaddles face a simple choice; take accountability and cut the KKK marketing or — as we have stated clearly and with conviction — watch their bottom line suffer.
More: 'Triple K' signs in Sylva cause outrage; owner to remove after Citizen Times reporting
More: Opinion: Asheville has underlying problems with racism that must be addressed
Becca Heller and Garret Craig are co-chairs of the Sylva Citizens Collaborative, a grassroots coalition committed to fostering inclusivity, community engagement, and social justice in Sylva. We aim to amplify local voices and promote change through collaboration and advocacy. Our current focus is on preserving the welcoming and vibrant character of our town for future generations.
IDEA of Haywood ((Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Alliance) is a group committed to cultivating a community that centers inclusion, values diversity, and fosters equity through outreach, engagement, direct action, collective learning, and healing that combats hate and oppression in all its forms.
Sarah DeArmon is Chair of ANSWER Great Smoky Mountains. Founded three days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) initiated the massive U.S. anti-war movement opposing the U.S. invasion of Iraq in the months prior to March 19, 2003. The National ANSWER Coalition has played an important role in the fight against racist and religious profiling, support of immigrant and workers’ rights, Palestinian liberation and for economic and social justice for all.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Opinion: Sylva triple K marketing is a racist dog whistle
