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The Knights of Pythias
Unlike the True Reformers and the Order of St. Luke, which were mutual-aid societies, the Knights of Pythias was an African American secret fraternal order––similar to the Masons. Named for Pythias, an ancient Greek willing to sacrifice his life to save a friend, Pythians strove to copy that example of friendship and loyalty. They sold insurance that paid funeral expenses and provided death benefits and sick pay. |