Vernon Dahmer's Home Firebombed by KKK, Dies of Burns

NAACP leader Vernon Dahmer of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, offered to pay poll taxes for Black residents unable to afford them. KKK members firebombed his home early January 10. Dahmer died later that day from severe burns sustained while returning fire to allow his family to escape. KKK Imperial Wizard Sam Bowers was convicted in 1998 of ordering the murder.