Documentary Day 1 - American Coup: Wilmington 1898 - Main

Join Harnett County Public Library, PBS North Carolina, and Working Films for a screening of American Coup: Wilmington 1898, a documentary that tells the little-known story of a deadly race massacre and carefully orchestrated insurrection in North Carolina’s largest city in 1898 — the only coup d’état in the history of the US.

This documentary shares the story of how self-described white supremacists used intimidation and violence to destroy Black political and economic power and overthrow Wilmington’s democratically-elected, multi-racial government. Black residents were murdered and thousands were banished. The story of what happened in Wilmington was suppressed for decades until descendants and scholars began to investigate. Today, many of those descendants — Black and white — seek the truth about this intentionally buried history.

The film will be viewed over the course of two days:

On Friday, November 6 from 12:30 until 2:30, the first half of the film, and following Q&A, will focus on the lead up to the coup in Wilmington and the massacre itself.

The second half of the film will be shown the next day, on Saturday, November 7, from 11 until 1, which will cover the aftermath of the coup and the repercussions that followed. Click here to register for Day 2.

Join us for this free screening and discussion to learn more about the massacre and coup, its place in US and North Carolina history, and its lasting impact. Together, we can ensure that the lessons of Wilmington’s past inform conversations around democracy today.

Viewer discretion is advised: This film contains depictions of racial violence, discrimination, and outdated terminology which some audiences may find upsetting.

☑️Registration Required

Friday, November 6 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | RCL Training Room | Age: 16

📍Main Library: 455 McKinney Pkwy. Lillington

Community event in Coats, Harnett County, NC 27521.