10 reasons Blacks were hung

[Feral Child]

39. Several years ago

in a consignment flea market in Cave Springs, GA I stumbled across a packet of photos of a community picnic.

Blankets and checkered table cloths were spread on the grass. Families lounged around them, some clearly snacking on grapes and other food. Oldsters, men, women. Children.

Many cars were parked nearby, all clearly from the '30s.

In the background stood a group of about 10-15 Klansmen, posing for the camera under a tree, faces hooded.

From a branch of the large tree, an oak I believe, 2 young black men were suspended by ropes around their necks, bare feet some 3' from the ground.

I forced myself to look at all 7 photos, then stood moments more, gaining control of my emotions. Once calm, I approached the middle-aged white woman at the register and purchased the packet for $3.50, 50 cents each. The woman glanced at the photos then slipped them into a plastic bag.

When I got the receipt I asked for a pen and printed, "Shame on you for profiting from this horror." then handed it back to her, asking that she give it to the owner of the photos. She took it without comment.

Once home, I mailed them to the MLK Center in Atlanta as an anonymous donation.