C.P. Ellis grew up poor, uneducated, and with low self-esteem. He was a hard worker who could never make enough to pay his bills or break out of poverty. The Klan offered a social bond and organizational structure that bolstered his self-esteem and focused his frustration and hate on blacks. His view of blacks began to change when he forced himself to participate in a coalition of representatives from all segments of the city, including blacks, organized to address community problems. He began to see that the various groups represented, particularly the poor, had common problems and concerns, particularly the need for improved education and higher wages. His values shifted from those of the Klan to those of a person who viewed inferior education, powerlessness, and exploitative employers as the common problems of both poor blacks and whites. He is the regional business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers, in which capacity he works with black and white union members to upgrade their lives.