Brad Lichtenstein and Yoruba Richen on American Coup: Wilmington 1898

Welcome to a special episode of the Following Films podcast! I'm your host, and today we're diving deep into one of the most powerful and often overlooked chapters of American history: the 1898 Wilmington Massacre. I’m thrilled to be joined by two award-winning filmmakers, Brad Lichtenstein and Yoruba Richen, to discuss their documentary American Coup: Wilmington 1898. This poignant and timely film, airing on PBS’s AMERICAN EXPERIENCE on November 12, 2024, sheds light on the deadly race massacre and insurrection that reshaped North Carolina’s largest city, and whose echoes still reverberate today. In our conversation, Brad and Yoruba will take us through the layers of this devastating chapter in American history, from a thriving Black community in Wilmington post-Reconstruction, to the violent white supremacist coup that led to mass murder, exile, and a legacy of trauma. The documentary draws on powerful storytelling and firsthand accounts from the descendants of those who lived through it—offering a compelling exploration of race, power, and resilience. This film invites us not only to reflect on the past but also to grapple with the ongoing dialogues about race and justice that continue to shape our nation today.