YWCA class explores Wilmington's racial history

Each year, over 250 community members gather to learn about an era time hidden in local history. This year will be no different. The race riot in Wilmington in 1898 marked an important chapter in the history of the state of North Carolina and the port city.

November 10, heavily armed white citizens took to the violent black communities, removed an elected government and destroyed African-American newspaper in the city.

This year, the YWCA, with a grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds, welcomes back its eight-week course, the History of Wilmington in Black and White.

It is taught by Tim Tyson, historian and author of "Blood Done sign my name", and Mary D. Williams, historian and African-American gospel singer.

Guest speakers include Blair Kelley, associate professor of history at NC State University and author of "Right to Ride", David Cecelski, historian and author of "The Waterman's Song", and lawyer James Ferguson.

Mary Martin, director of communications for YWCA, said that many people problems in our community problems today.

"We are both the most painful and historically the most promising single community in our state and yet we are still largely divided by race and class," said Martin.

"This piece of history has not been forgotten Wilmington and racial tensions surrounding the issues of urban schools and civil rights still exist today," said Martin. "This course is a learning community to promote understanding and reconciliation. The people of Wilmington are trying to confront their history and reshape their future to achieve a better understanding of citizenship and community."

Actor and playwright Mike Wiley will perform at a free event to kick off August 26 at 6:30 p.m. Community Arts Center of the Hannah Block Historic USO, 120 S. Second St.

Classes will be held 6:30-20:30 every Thursday, September 8 through November 3 in the auditorium of Williston Middle School.The course objectives include the development of a historical relationship between African Americans and whites in South America, placing the history of Wilmington in the wider context, establishing a dialogue with the community rooted in history and focusing on citizenship that goes beyond blame and defense to improve race relations in our community.

Registration for the course is $ 50 for adults and $ 5 for students with ID. Scholarship applications will be accepted at the YWCA Lower Cape Fear.

Two withdraw from muncipal races – Brunswick Today - Wilmington ...

Two people were removed from the municipal races deadline.

Steve Candler, who had filed to run for Leland town council, took its name from the account. So do Reece Simmons, who filed for Oak Island Town Hall.

This leaves a total of 114 candidates for the elections in November.

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General Benjamin Smith, A Biography of the North Carolina Governor

Paper, Devoted to the manufacture, sale and use of pulp and paper

Black Wilmington and the North Carolina way, portrait of a community in the era of civil rights protest

N.W. Ayer & Son's American newspaper annual

Rowell's American newspaper directory