This chapter explores the historical context of Wilmington, North Carolina in the late 19th century, focusing on the rise of white supremacy and efforts to extinguish black political power. It discusses the manipulation of white voters, the propaganda campaign, and the role of speech makers in promoting violence and intimidation towards the black community. The chapter also highlights the formation of an alliance between Democrats and the vigilante organization, the Redshirts.
By 1898, two decades after the end of Reconstruction, white elites, backed by violent terror groups, have installed Jim Crow across most of the South. North Carolina, led by its largest city, Wilmington, is different. A Fusion coalition, made up of mostly-Black Republicans and mostly-White members of the Populist Party, controls the city and state governments. White supremacist Democrats are frustrated and plot to gain power by any means necessary.
By Michael A. Betts, II, and John Biewen. Interviews with LeRae Umfleet, David Cecelski, and Cedric Harrison. The series story editor is Loretta Williams. Music in this episode by Kieran Haile, Blue Dot Sessions, Okaya, Jameson Nathan Jones, and Lucas Biewen. Art by Zaire McPhearson. “Echoes of a Coup” is an initiative of America’s Hallowed Ground, a project of the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University.