Support the Fight to Close Wildman's

When you exit the I-75 and drive along Cherokee Street towards downtown Kennesaw, the first thing that grabs your attention is a worn-down building adorned with Confederate battle flags and a sign boldly declaring "White History Year."

Opened in 1971 by Dent Myers, Wildman's Civil War Surplus store has cast a shadow over our city’s reputation. It prominently showcases a Klan robe and a noose, alongside offensive Jim Crow imagery and racist jokes passed off as southern heritage. Nearby shelves proudly display Nazi paraphernalia. Newly manufactured Nazi and Klan flags are for sale, all exploiting racism for profit and fueling bigotry. Wildman’s store symbolizes profound moral decay

For years, the community had hoped that upon Dent Myers’s passing, the store on Main Street with its many code violations and blight would cease operations. They envisioned the historical items moving to a museum, paving the way for new development.

These hopes were dashed two years ago on Juneteenth when Ms. Lyon, a mere store employee, obtained a business license in her name only without authorization from the Dent Myers estate. Since then, she has exploited the legal system and misused trust funds to block Ms. Bagwell, a rightful beneficiary of the estate and Dent Myers’s sister, from accessing the property.

The store should have never reopened without completing probate procedures. However, a solution is now within reach. Ms. Bagwell has retained a skilled litigator to pursue an emergency injunction and a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) to close the store during ongoing trust litigation. This legal action aims to investigate and address Ms. Lyon’s actions, including conducting a full forensic audit of the estate to account for missing items and finances.

We urgently need assistance to permanently close the store immediately. Ms. Bagwell had hoped the city would act upon seeing the documented evidence, including the will and trust, to suspend the store’s operations pending court resolution. Unfortunately, formal court documentation acquired through legal proceedings is required for the City of Kennesaw to revoke the license, compelling Ms. Bagwell to secure legal representation.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead