The Bloody Coup of Wilmington: A Forgotten Chapter in American History

🔴Wilmington, North Carolina was a vibrant mixed-race community before the coup.

📜The coup was a result of white supremacists' fear of black political power and influence.

💔The coup resulted in the massacre of 60 black men and the expulsion of hundreds of black families from Wilmington.

🗣️Alex Manley, a mixed-race journalist, bravely spoke out against white supremacy in his newspaper, The Daily Record.

🌍The coup in Wilmington was part of a larger effort to suppress black political power and maintain white supremacy throughout the South.

What led to the coup in Wilmington?

—The coup was a response to the rise of black political power in Wilmington, which threatened white supremacists who wanted to maintain their control and suppress the black vote.

How many people were killed during the coup?

—At least 60 black men were killed during the coup, and many more were wounded. The violence and intimidation led to the expulsion of hundreds of black families from the city.

Who was Alex Manley and why is he important?

—Alex Manley was a mixed-race journalist who fought against white supremacy and spoke out for civil rights in his newspaper, The Daily Record. His courageous efforts challenged the narrative of black inferiority.

What impact did the coup have on Wilmington?

—The coup led to a long-lasting impact on Wilmington. The city's government was overthrown, black political power was crushed, and hundreds of black families were forced to leave. The population shifted drastically, and the impact of the coup is still felt today.

Why is the coup of Wilmington a forgotten chapter in American history?

—The coup of Wilmington has been largely overlooked in American history due to intentional suppression of the truth and the systemic erasure of black voices and experiences. It is essential to bring this forgotten chapter to light and address its historical significance.

00:00Introduction to the little-known coup in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1898.

02:20Description of the vibrant mixed-race community in Wilmington before the coup.

06:39Explanation of the white supremacists' fear of black political power and influence.

09:20Details of the violence and massacre of black men during the coup.

11:59Highlighting the courageous efforts of Alex Manley, a mixed-race journalist who spoke out against white supremacy.