Wilmington festival brings families together to remember 1898 massacre and coup

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Ahead of the anniversary of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre and Coup, community members, historians and descendants gathered Saturday for a special event aimed at remembering the past, preserving history and promoting healing.

The inaugural 1898 Family Reunion and Healing Festival was held Saturday, Nov. 7, at the 1898 Memorial in downtown Wilmington.

Organized by Wilmington in Color and Coming to the Table, the event brought together local vendors, historians, genealogists and families with connections to Wilmington’s history.

Along with vendors selling various items, historians and genealogists shared information about the 1898 massacre and coup, helping attendees learn more about the events and reconnect with their family roots.

Event organizer Cedric Harrison said the festival represents an important step in efforts to educate the community about Wilmington’s history and reconnect descendants with the city.

“20 years ago or 30 years ago, people didn’t even know about this history at all and so now for us to be telling the tours all year long and now doing a festival that is now trying to call the families back so that they can actually start to connect with the city that they have roots in is very powerful and full circle for the work that we’re doing,” Harrison said.

The event also welcomed two notable visitors: world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, who served under President Barack Obama.

Both visited the 1898 Memorial, taking time to read its inscriptions and reflect on the history it commemorates. They also spent time speaking with Harrison, vendors and other visitors.

The festival came just days before the anniversary of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre and Coup on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

A wreath-laying ceremony is planned for Tuesday morning at the 1898 Memorial to honor the victims and reflect on the lasting legacy of the events.