‘Reverse the Curse’ remembers the past in hopes of changing the future

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Blacks and whites joined together at the 1898 Memorial for “Reverse the Curse,” a city-wide prayer march to remember the Wilmington race riots of 1898.

“It was during a chilly morning in November of 1898 that Wilmington’s downtown streets were filled with the blood of its innocent African American citizens.”

Local churches teamed up with “Boots on the Ground” in hopes of bringing the community together by reflecting on the past. They led a march from the memorial through the streets of Wilmington, following the path government leaders took during the riot.

“Although much progress has been made since 1898, many Wilmington churches and communities still remain segregated.”

Organizers say poverty, drug addiction, violence, murder, and gang activity are all rooted in the racial past of history. They say the community cannot rely on its government leaders to fix these issues. Organizers instead encourage the community to count on God and each other.

“We are releasing God’s spirit in Wilmington,” said Christian supporter Neil Blake. “We are asking him to drive out the spirits that are controlling murder and all of the greed and things like that.”