But in Robeson County, the message was unmistakable.

The Klan was not welcome.

The Banner Changes Hands

The most famous visual legacy of Hayes Pond came after the rally collapsed.

Lumbee men took possession of a Klan banner left behind at the field.

Photographers captured Simeon Oxendine and Charlie Warriax smiling with the banner.

One image showed the banner wrapped around them almost like a trophy.

The photograph is powerful because it reverses the intended meaning of the object.

A KKK banner is designed to communicate intimidation, racial hierarchy, and group power.

At Hayes Pond, it became evidence of failure.