Ron Stallworth’s efforts infiltrating a Colorado branch of the Ku Klux Klan during the 1970s has now firmly become a part of the mainstream consciousness because of Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed “BlacKkKlansman,” the adaptation of the former detective’s book.
But while Lee’s engrossing and powerful film highlighted that segment of Stallworth’s life, I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to Stallworth and his career after the events of “BlacKkKlansman”?
Luckily, I recently had the chance to talk to Stallworth about “BlacKkKlansman” and his career, so I used this opportunity to ask what happened to him after the events of the film, too.
“I left the Colorado police department in 1980, and moved to Arizona, where I worked for 2 years as an intelligence detective.”
“I left there in 1982, moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where I worked as an undercover narcotics detective for the Attorney General’s office.
“I worked there for 4 years then I went to Salt Lake City, Utah, and worked narcotics and street gangs for the last 20 years of my career. All total I had a 33-year career. So that’s what happened after ‘BlacKKKlansman’.”
For most people, though, Stallworth’s name will always be associated with “BlacKkKlansman.” So it is a good job then that even after seeing the film for a seventh time he still adores it.
“I am very pleased with it. I saw it for the 7th time last night. I am on a tour around the country for a theatre chain and book signing, so last night was my 7th time seeing it.”
“I take a little bit away everytime. One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the ending. It moves me to tears. The last 15 minutes or so is gripping, and I love how Spike weaved it into the story.”
Stallworth loves “BlacKkKlansman” so much that he even went as far as to call it his favorite Spike Lee film.
“I have seen most of Spike’s work. I like Spike’s activism. His passion, his honesty, and his love for his community. I knew my story was in the best possible hands with him as a director.
“‘Malcolm X’ is my favorite. But I feel what he has done with my story is right up there, if not better, than ‘Malcolm’.”
Stallworth is currently touring Alamo Drafthouses across the country discussing “BlacKkKlansman,” his book and career.
