Month of Black History: The 1898 Wilmington coup – Wway Newschannel 3

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) – February is a month of black history. We talked to the makers of the movie and the tragedy of the Wilmington tragedy in 1898, who say it is important to look back and think about local history.

“Black history is an American story,” Brad Liechtenstein exclaimed.

Wilmington’s envelope since 1898 is considered a major part of Port City’s history.

The historian of the Cape Fair Museum Janet Davidson says the coup followed the local elections when the Multi -Bodies was overthrown.

“A coordinated attempt to take power from Afro -Americans in North Carolina. So, the idea was that if you could suppress the community here in Wilmington, at this place of the Black majority, it would send a message to the rest of North Carolina. ”

After the coup, the laws of segregation were strengthened.

Davidson emphasizes the importance of learning about the events in 1898 and honoring the dead.

“Saying that if we talk about history, we have to talk about black history at every stage. We see with 1898, some of the struggles and pain that Afro -Americans have experienced in our community. It is important for us to admit, honor and admit those who have been hurt, “Davidson said.

In November a documentary – American coup: Wilmington 1898 was it is released. It is produced and directed by Brad Liechtenstein and Yoruba Rihen.

Rihen says the history of the 1898 coup was buried, so her goal was to restore it and share it.

“Many black families could not talk about it because it was so traumatic. So, it was something that is not yet known to many people to most people today. So, we were really excited to tell this story and achieve it as wider as possible, “Rihen said.

Liechtenstein says understanding the story is crucial to the American dream.

“The best way for our country to understand itself and to be able to realize the dream of what America’s promise is. Well, we can comply with our past and try to make our future not to repeat some of the mistakes we have made so often in our past, “said Liechtenstein.

If you want to see the movie, you can transmit it to Amazon Prime Video, PBS and YouTube. The Cape Ferra Museum also has an exhibit since 1898, open to the public.