Eye for an Eye: The Role of Armed Resistance ... - Freedom Archives

of the Deacons capabilities, provided the Movement with a serious bartering chip .
As Stokes stated "white people had become so fearful. Anything we wanted they
was [sic. were] always trying to offer you a deal. Come down and talk ." The
presence of the Deacons combined with effective boycotts provided Evers and
local leaders a position of strength to negotiate .- 4
To have an effective paramilitary operation, besides weapons logistical
support was necessary. To aid them in their defense activities, the Deacons pos-
sessed walkie talkies, citizen band radios, and vehicles that were radio equipped .
Aware of surveillance of their radio communication by the police and the Klan,
the Deacons developed codes to confuse listers . To secure funds for this commu-
nication equipment, vehicles, as well as to purchase weapons the Deacons, par-
ticularly their spokesman James Stokes, participated in speaking engagements and
also received financial contributions from civic groups in the North . In October of
1965, Stokes participated in fundraising tour in California, speaking at San Mateo
College and to civic groups and Movement supporters.'
In the field visible members of the Deacons wore badges as identification
and carried permits for their weapons . Law enforcement officers, particularly
Highway patrol and local police were informed by Deacon officials not to inter
fere with Deacons attempting to protect Movement demonstrators from racist
attackers . In some cases , the Deacons had negotiated with law enforcement to
serve Deacons with traffic violations later, if they were speeding to come to the
rescue of activists or members of the Black community. James Young stated law
enforcement were told "if you see one of these men moving (to the defense of
Movement activists, supporters, or members of the Black community) .. . get his