City of Wilmington honors Wilmington Ten with historic marker

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The City of Wilmington unveiled a marker to commemorate one of the most controversial eras in Wilmington’s history.

The marker was dedicated Thursday afternoon to the group known as “The Wilmington Ten.” The group was part of a movement protesting the school system in Wilmington during a time of racial tension and desegregation.

In 1971, they were convicted of firebombing a white-owned grocery store, 41 years later Governor Bev Perdue pardoned them.

Willie Vereen, the youngest member of The Wilmington Ten attended the ceremony.

“Well it’s very important because we were charged, tried and convicted of crimes we did not commit. And it’s time to straighten that out,” Vereen said.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, along with other key speakers, commemorated The Wilmington Ten with a sign and several markers across the city.

Pastor, Kojo Nantambu says this is something the community needs.

“I think it was very honorable and considerate of the city of Wilmington to take this time and this opportunity to commemorate them. Because this is, what happened here is very historical,” Nantambu said.

However, not everyone agrees with the dedication. When the group was up for pardon in 2012, WWAY spoke with former Wilmington Police officer John Winecoff who was part of the investigation.

Winecoff does not believe they are innocent. WWAY reached out to him Thursday afternoon to comment on the ceremony.

“It would be very nice if they had some kind words to say to the merchants that lost a lot of property, I think it would be nice if they would mention the fire department. The firefighters that went through sniper fire, and the police officers that tried to stop this violence,” Winecoff said.

It is violence The Wilmington Ten says they did not commit.