21 – Assemblage of leaders.

16″ x 20″ archival print. Interleaf text shown here. Actual interleaf is 16″ x 20″ printed on vellum.

If you are familiar with the history of the days of Reconstruction which followed in the wake of the Civil War, you will recall that the “Scallawags” [sic] of the North, and the Republicans of the South proceeded very much the same as you are proceeding, to instill into the Negro the idea of social equality. You will also remember that these things forced the loyal citizens of the South to organize clans of determined men, who pledged themselves to maintain white supremacy and to safeguard our women and children.

And now if you are a scholar, you know that history repeats its self, and that he who resorts to your kind of a game is handling edged tools. We shall always enjoy WHITE SUPREMACY in this country and he who interferes must face the consequences.

– from the “Grand Master Florida Ku Klucks” to Judge Cheney facilitating voter registration, 1920