American Coup: Wilmington 1898

What happened to Wilmington in 1898, and what can we learn about how Black communities respond to fascist takeover today?

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.

Directed by award-winning filmmakers Brad Lichtenstein and Yoruba Richen and executive produced by Cameo George and Rachel Raney as a co-production of PBS North Carolina and American Experience.

Ori Gallery is teaming up with PBS North Carolina to feature a screening of the film “American Coup”, followed by discussion on how this piece of history applies to the current state of our nation. Join us for a community conversation on the history of government takeover in America and how our communities have responded to cous in the past.

This screening will take place at The Heights Lounge (8000 SE Foster Road, Portland, OR) on Thursday September 25 at 5:00pm. We look forward to sharing this timely snapshot with you and hearing your thoughtful responses.

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Host or Publisher Ori Gallery