In 1868, in New York City, 15 white
men founded a secret society. It was
called the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks (BPOE). Known as the
Elks, the society began as a social
organization. It claimed to stand for
charity, justice, brotherly love,
and loyalty.
But the Elks didn’t show these
qualities when B.F. Howard and
Arthur J. Riggs tried to join. Both men
were black. Because of that, the Elks
said no.
Instead of giving up, Howard and
Riggs started their own group. They
decided it would be better and more
Members
march in
1963.
IBPOE:
Elks for Blacks
10
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