Wilmington Marks 1898 Massacre With Film Screening

Community members gathered at the Northeast Library to watch the documentary "Red Cape" ahead of this week's commemorations.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Civic

Wilmington Marks 1898 Massacre With Film Screening

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A screening of the short documentary "Red Cape" was held at the Northeast Library in Wilmington, North Carolina, followed by a panel discussion. The film highlights the 1898 Wilmington coup, when white supremacists overthrew a democratically elected multiracial government.

Why it matters

The 1898 massacre was hidden for 100 years, and this week's events mark the anniversary of that violence in the city. Public remembrance of the coup brings renewed attention to the history of the event in Wilmington.

The screening drew community members to the Northeast Library, and the 1898 massacre went unacknowledged for 100 years before this week's events. Attendance numbers and the total audience for the film were not reported.

The players

Harper Peterson

Former Wilmington mayor who participated in a panel discussion before the screening of "Red Cape."

Rob Zapple

Current New Hanover County commissioner who attended the screening of "Red Cape."

The details

Former Wilmington Mayor Harper Peterson took part in a panel discussion before the screening, and current New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple attended the event. Additional commemorations this week include Black heritage tours on Nov. 6 and Nov. 8, a healing circle on Nov. 7, and a wreath-laying ceremony at Memorial Park.

Monday: Screening of "Red Cape" and panel discussion at Northeast Library
Nov. 6: Black heritage tour
Nov. 7: Healing circle
Nov. 8: Black heritage tour
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.: Wreath-laying ceremony at Memorial Park

Legacy Context

The 1898 Wilmington coup, in which white supremacists overthrew a democratically elected multiracial government, was concealed for a century before public commemoration began. This week's screening and ceremonies continue that effort to bring the event into public memory.

The public can attend the remaining commemorative events this week, including the Black heritage tours, the healing circle, and the wreath-laying ceremony. Residents interested in participating should check local listings for event locations and any registration requirements.

The takeaway

Community events like film screenings and public ceremonies give residents a direct way to learn about history that was long left out of local memory. Attending or sharing such events helps keep the record of the 1898 coup visible in Wilmington.

What happens next

Commemorative events conclude with the wreath-laying ceremony at Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m., marking the anniversary of the 1898 massacre.