Branded Few bikers to remove swastika insignia after Reno Toy Run donation controversy
Clark, Herman make another donation to toy run, which passed 4-1
Jaedyn Young Reno Gazette Journal Reno, Nevada August 22, 2024
https://www.rgj.com/story/news/government/2024/08/22/branded-few-bikers-to-remove-swastikas-after-toy-run-controversy/74894979007/
The Branded Few are changing their jacket insignia, which featured a swastika, after being condemned at Washoe County Commission meetings, according to a motorcycle club spokesman.
The Northern Nevada Confederation of Clubs runs the annual Reno Toy Run, a nonprofit that collects toys for children. It received a $10,000 donation from Commissioner Mike Clark on June 18.
Afterward, a photo of a Branded Few motorcycle club member at the meeting wearing a jacket with the Nazi symbol went viral on social media.
Chair Alexis Hill called for the donation to be re-voted on on June 19. The donation was retained, with only Hill and Commissioner Mariluz Garcia voting against it.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Jeanne Herman and Clark proposed two more donations of $10,000 each to go to the Reno Toy Run. Clark also gave a $10,000 donation to Jewish Nevada.
“The Branded Few have decided to be the adults in the room. (They) have boldly decided as an organization to remove the patch you sought to defame them with,” Northern Nevada Confederation of Clubs spokesman Tony Regas told the commission.
The insignia, which the Branded Few refers to as a “broken cross,” is being replacing with a “BF” patch on their jackets.
“They took this action so that no one, including (the board), can ever attempt to defame their character again. I, for one, am proud of them,” Regas said during his public comment.
Marsha Berkbigler, a former commissioner and Hill’s current opponent for her seat, told the board she was “appalled” that they were trying to dictate who commissioners make donations to.
“I don’t care what the symbol is,” Berkbigler said. “To talk bad about a group of people who do nothing but good things for this community is simply unforgivable and you should be ashamed.”
Hill said that she was happy the Branded Few decided to rebrand, but that the swastika is a symbol of white supremacy and she was not going to vote to give taxpayer dollars to any organization that wears it.
Garcia, who previously voted against the donation, switched sides when she heard the Branded Few would be removing the insignia.
“I want to cut through the frustration and recognize that there is important work that needs to be done for children,” Garcia said. “With this new information I am going to support it today.”
The vote to approve both donations passed 4-1, with Hill voting no.
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