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Hidden behind their masks and long white robes, a line of Ku Klux Klan members hold a ceremony in front of a burning cross. The Klan’s nighttime raids on institutions such as Bethune’s school were meant to terrorize people who were trying to improve conditions for blacks.

But itwould takemore thanmengarbed inwhite to frightenBethune. Although the Klan controlled the town’s streetlights, it didnot have power over the school’s electricity. As themaskedandhoodedmenencircledthedrive, blowinghornsandwaving theburning cross, she ordered all the lights in the building to be shut off and those outside on the

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C I V I L R I GH T S L E A D E R S : MA R Y MC L E OD B E T HUN E