Unite the Right rally

Where Charlottesville, Virginia

Who: Richard B. Spencer

When 2017

Born on May 11, 1978, in Boston, Massachusetts, Richard B. Spencer has gained notoriety as a leading figure in the white nationalist movement in the United States. As the president of the National Policy Institute (NPI), a white supremacist think tank, Spencer has consistently advocated for the establishment of a white ethno-state, which he refers to as "white Zionism." His rhetoric, particularly at events like the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, has made him one of the most controversial and polarizing figures in contemporary American politics, emblematic of the resurgence of overt white supremacy in public discourse.

Spencer’s activism focuses on promoting a vision of racial separatism, often framed as the creation of a "racial empire" modeled after historical powers such as the Roman Empire. His speeches and writings advocate for the unification of the white race and the removal of racial minorities through ethnic cleansing. Beyond his call for a white ethno-state, Spencer has expressed deeply inflammatory views, including advocating for the enslavement of Haitians by whites and drawing inspiration from figures like George Lincoln Rockwell, founder of the American Nazi Party. His prominent role in organizing and headlining neo-Nazi rallies, including Charlottesville’s deadly Unite the Right rally, has underscored the dangerous implications of his extremist ideology.

Richard Spencer’s actions have sparked widespread condemnation and resistance, highlighting the persistent threat of white supremacist ideologies in the modern era. While his influence has waned due to public backlash, legal troubles, and internal conflicts within the far-right movement, his legacy remains a stark warning of the dangers posed by hate-driven ideologies. The violent and divisive events he has championed, such as Charlottesville, serve as pivotal moments in the ongoing fight against racism and extremism. Spencer’s story underscores the need for vigilance, advocacy, and dialogue to counteract the forces of hatred and promote a more inclusive society.

Sources:

Website:

• Southern Poverty Law Center. (n.d.). Matthew Heimbach. SPLC. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/individual/matthew-heimbach