@unexplainedpod They would actually paint a black hand on the window of the brownstone window as a warning - either join/pay or else. It was all about securing and enabling protections within the neighborhoods… my great grandfather was having none of it.
@unexplainedpod So, they were a separate organization from the Mafia folks who were already running the streets (affording protection etc.) my Great Grandfather had to ask family back in Calabria for help - because they were shaking down the neighborhood…