Wilmington, NC 1898 -The Forgotten Coup- January 6th & the Small Town Americans on the Frontlines of Democracy

Could a successful coup happen in the US? The ongoing Congressional hearings into the events of January 6 show that just a handful of election officials in several key states stood between Donald Trump and the overturning of the 2020 elections. While the insurrection unfolded, many Americans watched in shock, believing nothing like this had ever happened in United States history. But it has happened before — more than a century ago in Wilmington, North Carolina when an armed mob removed a democratically-elected government  by force, and turned a majority-Black town into a citadel of white supremacy. In this episode, we look at the parallels between that coup and the events in DC and visit the rural county of Columbus in the south west of North Carolina where a self-described former Oath Keeper acquired a massive arsenal of decommissioned military hardware in 2018 soon after taking office after a contested election. Laura also meets the residents and  leaders from across the state who are clear that the future of multi-racial democracy in America is being decided in out-of-the way towns like theirs. What do the rest of us need to know about what's happening there?Featured ‘Music in the Middle’ of the Podcast:  David Harness remix of “Roots” by Tedd Patterson presents Blackbone, courtesy of Black Vinyl Records. Read More & Listen HereGuests:Sonya Bennetone, Director, National Black Leadership Caucus Southeastern RegionRosa Bolden, Community OrganizerCarol Caldwell, Community OrganizerDeborah Dicks Maxwell, President, NAACP North CarolinaCedric Harrison, Founder, Wilmington in ColorLewis Hatcher, Former Sheriff, Columbus County, NCCurtis Hill, President, NAACP Columbus County, NCMarcus Norfleet, Former Commissioner Candidate, Columbus County, NCKeith Rivers, President, NAACP Pasquotank County, NCSerena Sebring, Executive Director, Blueprint NCMab Segrest, Writer, Organizer & Consultant Blueprint NCJeremy Simmons, Community Organizer Your support makes it possible for us to continue uplifting the hard work of community organizers like you heard today who’s work benefits us all.   It takes a lot to keep this reporting available to millions on public television, community radio and as a podcast.  Go to Patreon.com/theLFShow and join today as a monthly contributor, or go to  LauraFlanders.org/donate for more options.  Thanks for listening! Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel