FREWSBURG, NY (WNY News Now) – Photos of two people dressed in what appears to be “black face” has sparked outrage online.

The images were taken at Halloween parties over the weekend at the Carroll Rod and Gun Club and Frewsburg America Legion.

Originally posted by the clubs online as part of a photo gallery from their events, the images were highlighted individually by Paula Rondeau. Others have since expressed outage with the attire, including the Jamestown Justice Coalition.

“This is obviously racist and extremely offensive from the people that are wearing the “costumes” but why were they even allowed at the party? Is this what this “club” is about? This is absolutely unaccceptable and everyone involved should be ashamed,” wrote the coalition.

The two pictured have not been publicly identified, however the Carroll Rod and Gun Club released a statement in response.

“We would like to acknowledge the controversy some people have taken over a recent Halloween Costume party. We are a private club which consists of over 1,100 members of ALL ethnic groups, of which were in attendance that night,” wrote Rod and Gun Club officials. “The photos shared were taken out of context by Paula Rondeau. Our club does not condone any bullying or prejudice behavior. We respect everyone equally.”

The costumes appear to mimic what’s known as a lawn jockey statue depicting a man in jockey clothes, intended to be placed in front yards as hitching posts.

Over the decades the prevalence of black lawn jockeys with exaggerated features was often symbolic of racism and racist imagery in the United States during the slavery era and Jim Crow laws.

__

This report was updated to correct men to people since we were not able to verified the subject’s gender.