Derek Black grew up at the epicenter of white nationalism. Their father, Don Black, founded Stormfront, the first and largest racist community on the internet. Their godfather, David Duke, was a KKK Grand Wizard and elected politician. By the time Derek turned 19 and entered college, they were regarded as the leading light of the burgeoning white nationalist movement.
 

At New College of Florida, they encountered diverse perspectives and for the first time questioned the science, history, and prejudices behind their
worldview. Eventually, at tremendous personal cost, they disavowed everything they were taught to believe. Derek Black is the subject of Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist by
Pulitzer prize-winning author Eli Saslow.
 

A graduate of New College, Black is a PhD candidate in medieval studies at University of Chicago.

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Further reading:

The white flight of Derek Black by Eli Saslow

Why I Left White Nationalism by R. Derek Black