The men holding it were not frightened.

They were laughing.

That image traveled nationally.

Why Photographs Mattered So Much

The Klan understood spectacle, but so did the press.

Reporters and photographers were already present because everyone knew the rally could become newsworthy.

When the confrontation ended with the Klan fleeing, the cameras captured a story that needed very little explanation.

Lumbee men held abandoned Klan symbols.

The supposed intimidators were gone.

The intended targets were celebrating.