Wilmington's Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy

"Wilmington's Lie" explores the events surrounding the 1898 coup in Wilmington, North Carolina. The book details how white supremacists overthrew the elected government, which included Black officials. It examines the social and political climate that allowed such violence to occur. Zucchino highlights the role of local newspapers in inciting racial tensions. The narrative includes personal accounts from survivors and descendants of the victims. The author discusses the aftermath of the coup and its impact on racial dynamics in the South. The book also addresses the historical erasure of this event from public memory. Zucchino connects the coup to the broader rise of Jim Crow laws. He emphasizes the long-term consequences for Black communities in Wilmington. Ultimately, the work serves as a critical examination of racism and power in American history.