Dinner and a Movie:
American Coup: Wilmington 1898

Friday, April 4 • 5 p.m.
Parish Hall

In 1898, white supremacists violently overthrew Wilmington’s democratically-elected, multi-racial government.

Join St. Philip’s, PBS North Carolina, and Working Films for a screening of American Coup: Wilmington 1898, a documentary about the deadly race massacre and insurrection in North Carolina’s largest city in 1898 – the only coup d’état in the history of the U.S. 

Following the film, we’ll have a simple Lenten supper with table discussion about the film, the insurrection, and how history becomes buried.

The film is about 2 hours long, and it’s appropriate for children ages 13 and older with parental discretion. Childcare will be provided for children 12 and under. Limited seating – please RSVP.

RSVP to Film & Dinner

Wilmington, NC, in 1898

Wilmington was home to a thriving Black community.

In the late 1800s, Wilmington, NC, was home to a thriving multi-racial community with social, economic and political opportunities for its majority Black population. Photographs allowed Wilmington’s Black society to depict themselves as they wanted to be seen, free from external derogatory perspectives.

But stoking fears of “Negro Rule,” white supremacists used intimidation and violence to destroy Black political and economic power and overthrow Wilmington’s democratically-elected, multi-racial government. Many Black residents were murdered, and thousands were banished from the city. Then the story was suppressed for decades – until descendants and scholars began to investigate.

Watch “American Coup” trailer.

Questions? Contact Gabe Lamazares at gabe@stphilipsdurham.org.