Residents remember 1898 massacre with film screening, community discussions

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A day of remembrance and reflection brought community members together Monday to confront one of Wilmington’s darkest chapters.

A screening of the short documentary “Red Cape” was held at the Northeast Library, highlighting the deadly Wilmington coup of 1898, when white supremacists violently overthrew a democratically elected multiracial government.

Former Wilmington Mayor Harper Peterson was part of a panel discussion before the screening to reflect on the events of 1898 and their lasting impact on the community.

Current New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple was in attendance.

Sonya Patrick, with the National Black Leadership Caucus, said conversations about the massacre are essential to understanding the past and preventing history from repeating itself.

“We forget our history; it will repeat itself. The 1898 massacre was hidden for 100 years and we can’t allow that to happen again,” Patrick said. “Have to educate and empower; we can’t change the past, but we can work together for a better future together as one nation.”

The screening is one of several events being held throughout Wilmington this week to commemorate the anniversary of the massacre on Nov. 10.

Additional events include Black heritage tours scheduled for Nov. 6 and Nov. 8, along with a healing circle on Nov. 7.

The commemorations will conclude with a wreath-laying ceremony at Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m.

Organizers hope the events will encourage education, reflection, and healing while ensuring the history of the 1898 massacre is never forgotten.