EP12 Filmmaker Chris Everett - Revealing the Untold Story of 1898 Wilmington Massacre
Nov 10, 2023
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Join filmmaker Chris Everett, known for his award-winning documentaries, as he unpacks the haunting 1898 Wilmington massacre and its legacy of racial violence. He shares gripping anecdotes from his research and the pressing need for awareness in our current political landscape. The discussion also highlights the inspiring story of martial arts pioneer Vic Moore, emphasizing the importance of documenting underrepresented histories. Lastly, Chris advocates for supporting Black-owned media platforms to amplify these crucial narratives.
Chris Everett's documentary 'Wilmington on Fire' illuminates the historical significance and impact of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre on the African American community.
The podcast intricately links historical events of voter disenfranchisement and propaganda to ongoing contemporary political issues, emphasizing the relevance of understanding our past.
Community activism in Wilmington has intensified since the massacre, fostering local efforts to rebuild the Black middle class and promote social justice.
Deep dives
The Wilmington Massacre of 1898
The Wilmington Massacre of 1898 is recognized as one of the only successful coups in U.S. history, occurring in Wilmington, North Carolina. This event marked a violent attempt by white supremacists to reverse political gains made by African Americans shortly after the Civil War. The massacre was fueled by a fusionist movement that aimed to unite Black Republicans and white populists to increase their political power. The violent backlash resulted in a tragic loss of life and a significant decline in the Black population in Wilmington, with the massacre often overshadowed by more widely discussed events like Tulsa and Rosewood.
Documentary Origins and Themes
The documentary 'Wilmington on Fire' emerged as a critical response to the lack of awareness surrounding the 1898 massacre and its impact on the community. Originally, the filmmaker attempted to document local history but pivoted to focus on the massacre upon discovering its deep connections to his own hometown. Archival research revealed that the roots of white supremacy in the region were intertwined with contemporary issues facing Wilmington, prompting a desire to bring these narratives to a broader audience. This effort illustrates the importance of addressing historical injustices and their lingering effects on current society.
Community Reactions and Activism
In recent years, community activism has risen in response to the social inequities highlighted by the massacre and contemporary events, including the murder of George Floyd. Local organizations have emerged, aiming to rebuild the Black middle class and promote health and wellness in the community. Changes, such as renaming Hugh McRae Park to Longleaf Park, reflect ongoing efforts to confront and rectify historical wrongs. The second documentary will focus on these active movements within Wilmington, illustrating how residents are striving to reclaim and reshape their narrative.
Challenges of Filmmaking and Funding
Filmmaking on the topic of the Wilmington Massacre faced significant challenges, particularly regarding funding and support due to the controversial nature of the subject. The project initially struggled to attract attention and resources, necessitating creative fundraising methods including crowdfunding and personal investment. An unexpected collaboration with retired NBA player David West ultimately provided the necessary financial backing for post-production. The success and recognition of the first documentary have made securing funding for the sequel markedly easier, reflecting a growing interest in the subject.
Historical Reflections and Contemporary Parallels
The discussions surrounding the Wilmington Massacre draw striking parallels to modern political events and controversies, including issues of voter disenfranchisement and propaganda. The tactics employed during the 1898 massacre echo current challenges faced in electoral politics, highlighting the cyclical nature of history. By understanding events like the Wilmington Massacre, the importance of vigilance in safeguarding democracy and civil rights becomes clear. The next installment of the documentary aims not just to remember the past, but to inspire current and future activism within communities grappling with similar issues.
Brace yourself for an enthralling conversation with acclaimed Wilmington-based filmmaker, Chris Everett, as we journey into the oft-ignored annals of America's history - the 1898 Wilmington massacre. This chilling event chronicles an actual overthrow of an established government and the white supremacist movement that masterminded it. Chris, with his meticulous research and gripping narrative, helps us navigate this tumultuous period, giving us a front-row seat to the horrific incidents that left a lasting impact on Wilmington and its African American community.
From the gripping tales of the past, we transition into a critical examination of the role of propaganda and voter disenfranchisement in fanning the flames of violence. It's a thought-provoking reflection that puts the 1898 incidents as a stark mirror to our current political climate. But fret not, it's not all darkness and despair. We shift gears and plunge into the fascinating world of martial arts, where we shed light on the inspiring story of Vic Moore, one of the first professional Black karate champions in America.
This episode is an absolute must-listen for any history enthusiast or social justice advocate. Let Chris Everett's award-winning documentary "Wilmington on Fire" serve as your beacon, helping you navigate through the murky depths of America's past. It's an episode that transcends the realm of a typical history lesson and serves as a powerful reminder of how understanding our past can shape a more equitable future. So, buckle up and get ready to be moved, enraged, inspired, and enlightened by this riveting conversation.
To learn more about the Wilmington Massacre of 1898: - https://www.nhcgov.com/604/Wilmington-Massacre-1898 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilmington_insurrection_of_1898
Where to watch "Wilmington On Fire" - https://www.kweli.tv/
Information on "Wilmington On Fire" - @wilmingtononfire Information for "Grandmaster" - @gmdocumentary
To learn more about the 3 Chambers Fest - https://www.3chambers.com/
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