Proud Boys spokesman eschews white nationalist description

The controversial Proud Boys group ran a booth at the Neosho Fall Festival on Saturday.

Some in Neosho had complained about the presence of the group which was called “white nationalist” during last week’s debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Officials in Neosho said they had no applicable city ordinance to forbid the Ozark Mountain Proud Boys from operating a booth. Neosho City Attorney Jordan Paul told city leaders that removing the controversial group would have violated their constitutional rights.

The Ozark Mountain chapter spokesman, who identified himself only as “Nick,” said the group really isn’t about being white at all.

“Our chairman is an Afro-Cuban,” he said. “We have other Black members. We have all kinds of non-White, members, if you will. We have racially mixed members,” he stated.

However, Nick, bearded and in his 30s, says the group does have a political stance:

“Someone has to deal with ANTIFA,” he said. “All we are is the yin to their yang.”

Group members wear matching black T-shirts, caps and, in most cases, sunglasses.

The Ozark Mountain chapter is a part of the larger Proud Boys organization which Nick says is international.

He says the regional chapter has about 30 members.