This podcast explores the events of the 1898 Wilmington massacre, where armed white supremacists targeted a mixed-race neighborhood. It delves into the aftermath of the violence, including the forced resignation of officials and the challenges faced by the black community. It also highlights the efforts of a 94-year-old woman to raise awareness about the massacre and the role of investigative journalist Harry Hayden.
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Quick takeaways
The events of November 10, 1898, in Wilmington, North Carolina, revealed a dark chapter in U.S. history with a massacre of Black men and the only successful coup d'etat ever in the country.
The history of the Wilmington massacre and coup of 1898 was distorted and misrepresented for decades, highlighting the importance of confronting systemic racism and acknowledging the past.
Deep dives
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Wilmington, 1898: A Dark History Unveiled
Focusing on the events of November 10, 1898, in Wilmington, North Carolina, this episode uncovers the untold story of a massacre and coup d'etat. A white supremacist insurrection against the existing government resulted in the overthrow of elected officials and the banishment of prominent black and white citizens. The violence began with the burning of the black-owned newspaper office and escalated into targeted shootings, wielding rapid-fire guns. The episode reveals the role of William Rand Keenan Sr., the captain of a machine gun squad, and explores the cover-up and historical misrepresentations surrounding the events.
Examining the Grisly Massacre and Ethnic Cleansing
The coup d'etat unleashed brutal violence against the African American community in Wilmington. Armed white men targeted black neighborhoods, shooting innocent residents and burning their homes. The podcast sheds light on the number of victims, which, according to research, may range from 40 to 60 or potentially more. The city's black population declined significantly in the aftermath, as many residents fled amid fear and terror. The episode discusses the testimonies of survivors, including chilling accounts of bodies being thrown into the Cape Fear River.
Unmasking the Historical Narratives and Legacy
This episode examines how the history of the Wilmington massacre and coup of 1898 was distorted and misrepresented for decades. It highlights the work of historian Laree Umplitt, who meticulously researched and confronted the prevailing propaganda and cover-up surrounding the events. The podcast explores the role of Harry Hayden, a white reporter who interviewed veterans of the coup, and how his pamphlet perpetuated the white supremacist narrative. The episode also touches on the ongoing efforts to acknowledge and commemorate the tragedy, while addressing the broader issue of systemic racism and responsibility for confronting the past.
On November 1898, North Carolina Democrats won a sweeping victory at the polls – confirming the success of their campaign based on white supremacy, intimidation, and fraud. But in Wilmington, the state’s largest city, white supremacist leaders were not satisfied. This episode tells what happened on November 10, 1898, in Wilmington: a massacre of Black men, and the only successful coup d'etat in U.S. history.
By John Biewen and Michael A. Betts, II. Interviews with LeRae Umfleet, Bertha Todd, William Sturkey, Cedric Harrison, and Milo Manly. Story editor: Loretta Williams. Voice actor: Mike Wiley. Music by Kieran Haile, Blue Dot Sessions, Okaya, Jameson Nathan Jones, Kevin McLeod, 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.
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