There’s a difference between a statue getting publicity and a hate group getting publicity. Just because these statues exist and state governments teach only a confederate perspective (which is debatable as I’ve never lived in a state that wasn’t in the confederacy and that’s just not the case) doesn’t cause people rally to towards a hate group. You can’t have a protest without also putting a spotlight on what your protesting. If they hadn’t kneeled at all, or kneeled saying they’re protesting racism or white supremacy it would’ve accomplished their goal without putting a spotlight on this particular group of people. Now this group has been spotlighted, someone who lives in/near Oxford and may be ostracized or looking to belong (people who hate groups target) can flock to this group and swell their ranks.