Scroggins makes up word to describe haters in advance of next N-word summit

Sonny Scroggins has a new way of describing haters.

He calls them “syitzA,” a word he says he made up to describe the haters he identifies in his work as a community activist. Hate and laughter are both on the agenda for his next N-word summit, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. March 15 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

“People can hate me if they want,” Scroggins said, but it won’t keep him from talking about the N-word.

Scroggins organizes discussions in an effort to acknowledge the racially charged word remains in popular usage. Past speakers include state education board member Steve Roberts and Topeka lawyer Dan Lykins.

For this month’s summit, Scroggins will talk about the epithet’s role in black comedy. Clowns and comedians have helped make the word acceptable, he said.

“Comics are still using it, and people are still laughing,” Scroggins said.

Other topics may include his belief that black people don’t have the capacity to end the use of the N-word, as well as the word’s role in a National Football League bullying scandal.

“I don’t want to let white people off, and I don’t want to let black people off,” Scroggins said. “I ain’t playing. I’m going at it.”