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 Insurrection, white supremacists in the city began a campaign of intimidation and violence against African Americans. They burned down the offices of a Black-owned newspaper, The Daily Record, and physically attacked Black residents who dared to speak out against their oppression.

On November 8, 1898, a group of white supremacists, led by former Confederate soldier Alfred Waddell, launched a full-scale attack on the African American community in Wilmington. They burned down Black-owned businesses, terrorized Black residents, and forced many of them to flee the city. When the dust had settled, at least 60 African Americans were dead and hundreds more had been displaced.

The Wilmington Insurrection was a turning point in the history of the city and the state. It marked the beginning of a period of white supremacist rule that would last for decades, as African Americans were systematically disenfranchised and excluded from the political process. The memory of the Wilmington Insurrection has left a lasting impact on the city and the state, and it serves as a reminder of the deeply ingrained racism and violence that has plagued the United States for much of its history.

@cantarguewithhistory Wilmington coup of 1898,[6] was a coup d'état and massacre carried out by white supremacists in Wilmington, North Carolina, United States, on Thursday, November 10, 1898.[7] The white press in Wilmington originally described the event as a race riot caused by black people. Since the late 20th century and further study, the event has been characterized as a violent overthrow of a duly elected government by a group of white supremacists. It is the only such incident in the history of the United States. #america #racism #history #wilmingtonnc ♬ Before I Knew It Jj - DJ Opus