Nazi Convention: America's National Socialist Movement In Atlanta Photographed By Johnny Milano (PICTURES)
LOOK: Tattoos, Swastikas And Tasers: Photographer Captures American Neo-Nazis Ahead Of Rally
Sara C Nelson — Huffington Post UK
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Ironing swastika armbands, drinking beers, getting tattoos and tasering each other.
This is how neo-Nazis from America’s National Socialist Movement relaxed as they geared up for a national convention in Atlanta.
The jarring, yet strangely intimate images were shot – after months of negotiation – by photographer Johnny Milano, who battled hard for access to the NSM.
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A woman presses a Swastika armband ahead of the annual NSM rally in Atlanta, Georgia
The group, which fights for white civil rights, held its annual meeting and rally in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 19 and 20.
Its website claims it is “the political party for every patriotic white American.”
Reform of illegal immigration policies, withdrawal of troops from Middle Eastern occupation and the promotion of white separation are listed among its policies.
It adds: “In keeping with our family-friendly policies, membership is open to non-Semitic heterosexuals of European descent.”
Of his experience with the NSM and the resultant pictures, Milano writes in a blog post on Petapixel: “The images that I walked away with aren’t home runs, but they’re definitely a step above the generic rally and swastika pictures that are rampant among projects like this.
“Although I know my project is not where I want it to be in the least, I know that I’m making progress.”
National Socialist Movement Convention In Atlanta, Georgia
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April 19 2013- Atlanta Georgia- Chris Drake gets a tattoo inside one of the hotel rooms while being told that he's late for his shift in parking lot security. Chris Drake, formerly of the NSM now of the Old Glory Skinheads, participates in NSM events as a supporter. (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)
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April 19 2013- Atlanta Georgia- An NSM member displays his tattoos. (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)
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April 19 2013- Atlanta Georgia- Members of the National Socialist Movement prepare their attire for the banquet on the night before their march to the Capitol. (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)
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April 20 2013- Atlanta, Georgia- An NSM member stands on the steps of the Capitol, facing a group of anti demonstrators. (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)
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April 19 2013- Atlanta Georgia- Kim Lawrence irons NSM related patches onto her uniform. (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)
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April 19 2013- Atlanta Georgia- Mr. Wright inspects his car alongside an East Point police officer after individuals believed to be "anti fascists" smashed in his windows. (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)
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April 20 2013- Atlanta, Georgia- After the NSM and members of the KKK meet in a parking garage prior to the rally, a shocked bystander approaches and explains that "this is something I've never seen before". (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)
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April 20 2013- Atlanta, Georgia- An NSM member holds an NSM flag in front of anti demonstrators across the street. (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)
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April 20 2013- Atlanta, Georgia- Members of the KKK yield flags and salute as they chant alongside the NSM chant, "Sieg Heil". (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)
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April 20 2013- Atlanta, Georgia- Members of the Knights of the Ku Klux Clan prepare their robes and attire just before marching towards the Capitol. (credit:Johnny Milano/SipaUSA)