Leonard Zeskind, a prominent researcher of right-wing hate groups and an early observer of the mainstreaming of anti-immigrant ideologies in American politics, passed away on April 15 at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 75. The cause of death was complications from pancreatic cancer, as confirmed by his wife.
Mr. Zeskind dedicated decades to studying white nationalism, documenting the shift in focus from Black Americans to nonwhite immigrants among its leading voices long before the rise of nativist rhetoric in recent years. His 2009 book, “Blood and Politics: The History of the White Nationalist Movement From the Margins to the Mainstream,” was the culmination of extensive research on contemporary Klansmen, neo-Nazis, and militia members, earning him a MacArthur “genius grant” in 1998.
In his work, Mr. Zeskind argued that prior to the 1960s, white supremacists aimed to uphold segregation, particularly in the South. However, following civil rights advancements, he contended that white nationalists began to perceive themselves as victims, leading to an insurgency against the establishment, with immigrants from developing nations becoming their primary adversaries.
Despite the subtitle of his book suggesting a transition of white nationalists into the mainstream, many reviewers at the time were skeptical, viewing the movement as a relic of the past. The election of the first Black president and the perception of a tolerant society led to dismissals of extremist groups as outdated.
Mr. Zeskind, however, cautioned against underestimating white nationalists, noting their influence on Republican politics through figures such as David Duke and Pat Buchanan, who capitalized on anti-immigrant sentiments. He argued that Donald Trump’s rise was a product of this longstanding trend rather than a catalyst.
Born on November 14, 1949, in Baltimore, Mr. Zeskind's early life included a move to Miami, where he graduated high school before studying philosophy at the University of Florida and the University of Kansas. He later worked as a welder and community organizer, addressing racial tensions in Kansas City.
Throughout his career, Mr. Zeskind was active in countering hate groups, founding the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights and serving as research director at the Center for Democratic Renewal. He was an outspoken advocate against anti-immigrant legislation, urging Democratic leaders to oppose efforts to undermine birthright citizenship.
Mr. Zeskind is survived by his wife and a brother. His first marriage ended in divorce. His legacy includes a commitment to understanding and combating the forces of hate and division in American society.