Documentary highlighting local descendants of U.S. Colored Troops to show in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — A documentary filmed in the Wilmington area will be screened this weekend, highlighting the stories of descendants of the United States Colored Troops and their ties to the Cape Fear region.

The short film, “Legacy,” chronicles the lives of descendants of the U.S. Colored Troops, who fought alongside Union soldiers in 1865 to help enforce the Emancipation Proclamation in Confederate-controlled states.

The documentary features stories such as that of 19-year-old Caesar Evans, who escaped slavery to join the U.S. Colored Troops before later settling in the Cape Fear region.

Filmmaker Adam Alphin said the film shines a light on local history that many people may not know.

“You’re going to hear some history and stories you never really thought about right in the community you live in and it will shine a light on a whole bunch of information or stories that you never knew might have existed.”

The documentary was produced in partnership with the Cameron Art Museum.

“Legacy” will be shown Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Jengo’s Playhouse in Wilmington.