House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) on Sunday suggested he has tried to mend fences with the black community, since it became known he spoke to a group in 2002 that was founded by a former Ku Klux Klan leader. 

“I made it very clear that I reject bigotry of all forms. I continue to build relationships and focus on things that we can do together,” Scalise said on “Fox News Sunday.”

{mosads}In December, a report surfaced that found Scalise spoke to a group in 2002 founded by David Duke, a former Klan leader. 

Scalise said Sunday he’s proud of work he’s done in New Orleans to help schools compete and offer educational opportunities that were previously denied to children.

Last week, Scalise told The Hill that he declined requests from black lawmakers to attend next week’s civil rights ceremonies in Selma, Ala., marking the 50th anniversary of the city’s famous march. 

Instead, Scalise said he plans to visit Selma next year.