Activists Mocked After Accusing Black DJ Of Wearing Blackface

Two activists have been called out after falsely claiming a Black man had been wearing 'blackface'.

Kim Koko Hunter was hired by Scottsdale Unified School District’s Hopi Elementary PTA to host a charity event earlier this year.

The 56-year-old DJ turned up wearing a sparkly gold outfit and an afro wig, while others also got into the 70s theme with jazzy outfits.

However, after seeing a photo on Facebook of Hunter at the event, Stuart Rhoden and Jill Lassen, who both advocate for diversity in the Scottsdale Unified School District, slammed the PTA group for hiring him for the event.

They complained to the school's principal and head of the PTA over what they claimed was a racist incident.

Two activists thought Mr Hunter was wearing 'blackface' (Facebook)

It was quickly pointed out to the pair, though, that Hunter was indeed Black and not wearing any make-up.

The pair have since been ridiculed online by Hunter and other parents over their accusations.

Responding to the allegations, Hopi PTA President Megan Livengood said: "The DJ that the Hopi PTA hire[d] was, in fact a Black man.

"It is insulting that you feel myself or PTA condone racist behaviour or encourage it by posting on social media."

Replying to Lassen's email, Livengood added: "I am deeply offended by this email even with the included apology. 

"The Scottsdale Parent Council is an organization that claims to encourage diversity and inclusion; accusing the Hopi PTA and myself a hiring a DJ that participated in racist behavior is absolutely against your mission."

Mr Rhoden has seemingly doubled down on his claims (Facebook)

Lassen later apologised for any offence made, writing: "You are right, we should’ve reached out and inquired before making such accusations. I cannot fathom the hurt, anger and frustration you felt after you and others volunteered countless hours on your event.

"Again I truly apologise. I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me and not harbor resentment towards SPC."

But while Rhoden has also said sorry for his part, he appeared to allege that Hunter had in fact made his skin darker.

In a post on Facebook, he said: "Let me be clear, a Black man, apparently in Black face is an entirely different discussion than a White person.

Mr Hunter joked that perhaps he 'wasn't black enough' for the pair (Instagram)

"However, I did not state that the person was White. It was assumed that was my intent, and perhaps it was, but nonetheless, looking on his FB page, it seems at the very least he is in darker make-up if not 'Black face' or I am completely mistaken and it's the lighting of the patio.

"So here's what I want to say. I apologize to dude for the implication, but the sentiment still stands, Black face by anyone, in this day and age is problematic.

"I also apologize to folks who reposted and made other statements based on my assumption."

According to local reports, Hunter doesn't hold any grudges against the pair.

Discussing the incident in a livestream, he said: "They thought that the DJ there or the person there was in a blackface, and the person that they thought was in blackface was me.

“They were probably thinking the same thing I am: wow, there are no black people here.

"Was I not Black enough? How Black do I got to be for people to know that I’m an actual Black [sic]?"

UNILAD has contacted Scottsdale School District and Rhoden for a comment.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org