Black No More · Chapter
Chapter IV: The Knights of Nordica explained
Matthew Fisher, now passing as white, arrives in Atlanta and learns of the Knights of Nordica, a new racist organization founded by Rev.
What happens
Matthew Fisher, now passing as white, arrives in Atlanta and learns of the Knights of Nordica, a new racist organization founded by Rev. Henry Givens. Seeing an opportunity for financial gain, Matthew presents himself as an anthropologist from New York and offers his services to Givens, who eagerly accepts. Matthew plans to use the organization as a stepping stone to wealth, while Givens hopes to revive his former Klan-like influence and fill his pockets with membership fees.
Themes in this chapter
Satire of Racism and White Supremacy
The chapter satirizes the ignorance and greed of white supremacist leaders like Givens, who are more interested in money than in racial ideology.
Economic Exploitation and Class
Matthew sees the Knights of Nordica as a 'gold mine' and plans to exploit the organization for personal wealth, highlighting the economic motivations behind racial movements.
Hypocrisy of American Democracy
The chapter exposes the hypocrisy of leaders who preach racial purity while engaging in corrupt financial practices, undermining democratic ideals.
Characters to notice
- Matthew Fisher
Passing as white, Matthew infiltrates the Knights of Nordica, posing as an anthropologist to gain access to wealth and power.
- Rev. Henry Givens
Imperial Grand Wizard of the Knights of Nordica, a corrupt ex-Klan leader seeking to profit from racial fear.
- Mrs. Givens
Givens' wife, a devout Christian who is suspicious of her husband's enthusiasm and laments the younger generation's lack of interest in religion.
- Helen Givens
Mentioned as Givens' daughter, who has become less interested in 'uplifting' activities since attending school.
Key passages
“Unlike Givens, he had no belief in the racial integrity nonsense nor any confidence in the white masses whom he thought were destined to flock to the Knights of Nordica. On the contrary he despised and hated them.”
Matthew didn't believe in the racial purity rhetoric and had no respect for the white masses, but he saw them as tools to achieve his financial goals.
Highlights Matthew's cynical manipulation of racial politics for personal gain.
“He had the average Negro’s justifiable fear of the poor whites and only planned to use them as a stepladder to the real money.”
Matthew, despite his white appearance, still feared poor whites and intended to use them as a means to get rich.
Reveals Matthew's internal conflict and his pragmatic approach to survival.