From Slavery to Freedom Film Series: “American Coup: Wilmington 1898”

Presented as part of the From Slavery to Freedom Film Series, “American Coup: Wilmington 1898” tells the little-known story of a deadly race massacre and carefully orchestrated insurrection in North Carolina’s largest city in 1898 — the only coup d’état in the history of the US.

Stoking fears of “Negro Rule,” self-described white supremacists used intimidation and violence to destroy Black political and economic power and overthrow Wilmington’s democratically elected, multi-racial government. Black residents were murdered and thousands were banished. The story of what happened in Wilmington was suppressed for decades until descendants and scholars began to investigate. Today, many of those descendants — Black and white — seek the truth about this intentionally buried history.

Following the screening, award-winning documentarian and director of “American Coup: Wilmington 1898,” Yoruba Richen will discuss the film. An award-winning filmmaker, Richen’s work has been featured on multiple outlets, including Netflix, MSNBC, FX, HBO, The Atlantic, and Field of Vision.

This program is part of Civic Season a nationwide initiative presented in partnership with the Smithsonian and the History Made By Us coalition.

Civic Season is a key component of the History Center’s America 101 initiative, supported by the Nimick Forbesway Foundation and The Grable Foundation. America 101 is designed to engage the public in learning more about American history and civics through public programs, exhibitions, digital tools, and educational curriculum.