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He spent much of his boyhood in nearby Opelousas, a Ku Klux Klan stronghold.

Visitors to the website of Opelousas General Health System in Louisiana who click on the "Patient Resources" tab can learn that the Lil' General Café serves panini and pancakes, but they won't find any information about getting help with medical bills.

Xavier Ellis, 28, a Ferriday native now teaching in Opelousas, Louisiana, said Lewis’ life is an inspiration.

In places such as Colfax and Opelousas, La., scores of Black people were massacred during the post-Reconstruction era to keep them away from the polls.

Funeral services will be held on May 21 at Sibille Funeral Home in Opelousas.