Bryon Widner (born April 15, 1978) is an American former white supremacist and skinhead, turned anti-racism activist. He is most well-known for his transformation from a violent street brawler to a reformed activist, detailed in the 2011 documentary, Erasing Hate.
Widner was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and was raised in a household filled with drug and alcohol abuse. He was exposed to hate-filled ideologies at an early age and was soon initiated into the white power movement. By the age of 16, Widner had become a full-fledged skinhead and was a leader in the movement by the time he was 18.
During his time as a skinhead, Widner committed numerous acts of violence and vandalism. He was involved in the formation of several white supremacist organizations and was a leader in the Vinlanders Social Club, a white supremacist skinhead gang. He was also a frequent speaker at white power rallies and violent demonstrations.
In 2005, Widner met Julie Larsen, an anti-racism activist. Widner was immediately attracted to her, and she helped him to begin questioning his beliefs and ideologies. In 2006, Widner left the white power movement and began to actively oppose racism.
In order to remove the tattoos associated with his white power days, Widner underwent multiple surgeries over the course of three years. He was featured in the 2011 documentary Erasing Hate, which followed Widner’s transformation from a white supremacist to an anti-racism activist.
In 2012, Widner was honored with the Morris Dees Justice Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated courage in the face of hate and intolerance. The same year, Widner was hired by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an activist and consultant. He now travels the country, speaking out against racism and white supremacy.
Widner is now married to Julie Larsen and the couple has three children. Widner is an example of the power of second chances and redemption. He is a living testament to the fact that it is never too late to make a change and that, in spite of one’s past, a better and brighter future is possible.
