Remembering the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898: How a Birthday Reminds Us of a Dark Moment in History
The Wilmington Insurrection of 1898, also known as the Wilmington Massacre or the Wilmington Race Riot, was a violent attack on the African American community in Wilmington, North Carolina on November 8, 1898. This day, which happens to be the birthday of the person requesting this essay, marked a turning point in the state's history and the beginning of a period of white supremacist rule that would last for decades. The origins of the Wilmington Insurrection can be traced back to the late 19th century, when tensions between white and Black residents of Wilmington were already high. The city was home to a growing population of African Americans, many of whom had recently migrated from rural areas in search of better economic opportunities. However, the city's white elite, who held a monopoly on political and economic power, were determined to maintain their dominance and prevent African Americans from gaining a foothold in the city. In the months leading up to the Wilmington
