Lumbees give thumbs down to ‘Why I Am for Segregation’

On this day in 1958: Lumbee Indians, upset about two recent cross-burnings near their homes, break up a Ku Klux Klan rally in Robeson County. Klan leader James “Catfish” Cole planned to speak on “Why I Am for Segregation,” but the program is cut short by gunfire, firecrackers and teargas grenades thrown by sheriff’s deputies. One Klansman is charged with public drunkenness.

Life magazine gives the ruckus national attention with eight photos under the headline “Bad Medicine for Klan.”