Meaning: The quote by Charles Rangel speaks to the historical context of the civil rights movement in the United States, specifically highlighting the actions of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in their efforts to suppress African-Americans seeking justice and equality. The KKK, a white supremacist hate group, used fear, intimidation, and violence, including murder, as tools to oppress and terrorize African-Americans and to maintain white supremacy in the southern states of the US.

The KKK's history dates back to the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, but it experienced a resurgence in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, during the height of the civil rights movement. This resurgence was in response to the increasing activism of African-Americans and their allies who were demanding an end to segregation, discrimination, and systemic racism.

In the quote, Rangel specifically references the KKK's response to the young workers of the civil rights movement in Mississippi. This is significant because Mississippi was a hotbed of civil rights activism and racial tension during this time. African-American activists, including young people, were at the forefront of organizing and participating in actions such as sit-ins, voter registration drives, and protests aimed at desegregation and equal rights.

The KKK's response to the civil rights movement was characterized by extreme violence and terror. They targeted not only activists and leaders but also ordinary African-American citizens who dared to challenge the status quo. This included bombings, arson, lynching, and other forms of brutal violence intended to instill fear and maintain the racial hierarchy.

Rangel's quote underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the KKK's willingness to use the same brutal tactics against the young workers of the civil rights movement as they had historically used against African-Americans. It speaks to the unyielding commitment of the KKK to uphold white supremacy and the lengths to which they were willing to go to maintain their grip on power and control.

The actions of the KKK and their impact on the civil rights movement cannot be overstated. The fear and trauma inflicted by the KKK reverberated through African-American communities and had a chilling effect on the broader struggle for civil rights. However, it also galvanized the resolve of many activists and allies to continue their fight for justice and equality, despite the very real dangers they faced.

Ultimately, the quote serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and struggles endured by those who fought for civil rights in the face of violent opposition. It also underscores the ongoing importance of confronting and addressing the legacy of racism and white supremacy in the United States.

In conclusion, Charles Rangel's quote encapsulates the brutal and oppressive tactics employed by the Ku Klux Klan in their efforts to thwart the progress of the civil rights movement. It serves as a somber reflection on a dark chapter in American history while also acknowledging the resilience and determination of those who fought for justice and equality.