Speaker
The speaker of the poem is an unidentified individual who, from contextual clues, we can identify as a Black American. They use the pronoun "we," suggesting that this story is told communally and passed down through generations. They are disturbed and frightened by the cross burning, but also show a strong desire to leave this moment behind.
Klan members
The white men in white gowns are members of the hate group the Ku Klux Klan. While the speaker never identifies them as such, their clothing and burning of a cross make it clear who they are. The fact that the speaker only observes them at a distance and at night makes them appear otherworldly and terrifying. Their goal, as the poem also makes clear, is to create panic and fear in Black communities.
