The Order of Black Shirts
The Order of Black Shirts also called the American Fascisti Association was founded by Holt J. Gewinner in Atlanta, Georgia in the spring of 1930. They issued a magazine called Black Shirt. At the height of the Depression the group attempted to appeal to White workers by parading in Atlanta’s streets with placards stating “No Jobs for Niggers Until Every White Man Has a Job.”[1]
The organization was unable to obtain a charter in Georgia and they moved to Orlando, Florida and began their operation. Shortly thereafter the charter was rescinded and the group and magazine was dissolved.[2]
Although the group adopted the name of the Italian fascist movement the American version apparently had more in common with the Ku Klux Klan.
Membership
Initial members of the group were R A Gordon, R S Gulledge, S O Wood, Holt J. Gewinner, and Henry J. Norton. Will Sanders was Deputy Commander.
