Children climbing a tree In Bienville Square in Mobile, Alabama.

The children were probably preparing to view a march and rally sponsored by the United Klans of America. The march was organized by Robert Shelton, Imperial Wizard of the UKA. He and approximately 100 Klan members marched from City Hall down Royal Street to Bienville Square and back to City Hall. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Matturro, Claire
Format: Electronic
Published: Alabama Department of Archives and History
Subjects:
Online Access:http://cdm17217.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/photo/id/34418
Description
Summary:The children were probably preparing to view a march and rally sponsored by the United Klans of America. The march was organized by Robert Shelton, Imperial Wizard of the UKA. He and approximately 100 Klan members marched from City Hall down Royal Street to Bienville Square and back to City Hall. The marchers were prohibited from wearing robes and hoods in Mobile, but they carried Confederate battle flags and United States flags. Many marchers also carried placards protesting a proposed state work release program and in support of local district attorney Charles Graddick who was a vocal opponent of the plan. A large crowd of mostly African American protesters met the marchers along Royal Street and in the square. Police attempted to keep the two groups apart, but some skirmishes broke out. Two African American protesters were arrested, including Donald Pinkney, an off-duty police officer.