Number of hate groups rises across nation with 41 in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The spring 2016 edition of Southern Poverty Law Center’s investigative journal shows an increase in hate groups nationally.
WKRN News 2 reports that the law center found a 14 percent national increase in hate groups between 2014 and 2015, and that 41 of 892 total hate groups existed in Tennessee last year.

The groups listed in Tennessee included several chapters of white supremacist, white nationalist, black separatist, neo-Nazi and anti-Muslim groups.

According to the report, more than 10 hate groups are located in the Nashville area.

The Southern Poverty Law Center says the increase in hate groups is in correlation with growing fear among working class Americans.

It says the extremist groups, even some politicians, are capitalizing on fear to further their causes.