1898 panel hopes for action in Wilmington

As mentioned on June 1, a Wilmington panel has recommended reparations and restitution regarding the infamous 1898 Wilmington race riots. A follow-up article in the Star-News states that the members of that panel hope that action will be taken; the fear is that nothing will really be done.

"Members hope their call for restitution won't follow the same path as those of other cities seeking healing from a violent past," said the newspaper.

"I don't even want to guess what the legislature will choose to do with this," said Ruth Haas, commission member and director of the Cape Fear Museum. "I think that if there were a real commitment to the total package, it would go far."

The report shows that in November 1898, as part of a statewide white supremacy campaign, Wilmington's city government was overthrown, the campaign's black and white opponents forced out of town and violence claimed an unknown number of lives.

One of the commission's recommendations is funding for a permanent museum exhibit showcasing the bitter yet compelling history. Haas said the museum's display panel of 1898 history is not extensive and needs to be updated. The report calls for a redevelopment authority and economic incentives to bring more minority-owned businesses to Wilmington.

Commission member Kenneth Davis said he supports all of the recommendations but is unsure what will come of them. "I'm not overly optimistic given the political climate," he said.