As we continue to recognize Black History Month, we must acknowledge the significant historical events that have contributed to the ongoing struggle for racial economic justice in America. The Wilmington Massacre of 1898 is one such event that has been omitted from history books, despite its pivotal role in the history of North Carolina. As a Black woman and Senior Program Manager of Network Building at Prosperity Now, I believe it is crucial to highlight the historical impacts on generational Black wealth and their continued impact.

Black family in Wilmington, NC during the late 1800’s. Courtesy of North Carolina Archives 

The city of Wilmington, North Carolina, was once a bustling port that received enslaved Africans, leading to a significant Black population in the area. Despite the history of enslavement, many Black residents entered the professional class as attorneys, enforcement officials, and editors. However, in the late 1800s, the political climate in Wilmington was hostile towards Black residents, who were targeted for their wealth and political power. On November 10, 1898, a White mob of 2000 armed vigilantes led a violent attack on unarmed Black individuals and businesses in Wilmington. The bloody massacre resulted in over 1000 deaths and the exile of many Black residents, including some of my ancestors. 

Daily Record Office as it is being burned to the ground. Courtesy of Zinn Education Project 

My ancestors who survived the massacre and remained in the city were enslaved. They worked over 100 acres of land within the city as well as land over the Cape Fear River. They would later become owners of over 50% of the land they worked on over the river, and the land would become a community called Northwest. Today Northwest is an incorporated city full of Black wealth in the form of land. The same community in which I was raised now consists of a city hall, police and fire department, many churches and a gas station, along with fields of farmland and livestock. Northwest, North Carolina is a small country town full of rich Black history. 

I often wonder if my ancestors knew of the significance of purchasing the land and how it would build generational wealth within both sides of my family. Today the Lowery (fraternal) and Vernon (maternal) sides of my family still own 95% of the land my ancestors worked on. My dad made clear to me and my brother the importance of the Lowery land even at a young age. He often stressed the importance of keeping the land in the family. Now, my generation is tasked with instilling the same message to new generations of my family. Although we have been offered millions of dollars to purchase pieces of our land, we refrain from selling. There is no price tag that can be put on the blood, sweat and tears my ancestors endured as they worked the land they came to own. 

A map of the land within the Vernon Estate. Courtesy of LaToya A. Lowery 

To address the racial wealth divide in Wilmington and other communities with a long history of racial violence, we need policies that root out systematic racism. Stories like the one of my family and the Wilmington massacre highlight how entrenched wealth and racial violence are in the history of our country. But we know that there is not one sweeping solution to rectify hundreds of years of injustice and hurt.  

The racial wealth divide requires a multifaceted approach; one that includes rebuilding major elements of our economy— financial institutions and access to them, assistance programs, the tax code, housing pathways and savings opportunities. We need solutions like Baby Bonds to effectively create a foundation for intergenerational wealth building.  

In conclusion, as we observe Black History Month and celebrate our rich culture and history, we also remember the pivotal events such as the Wilmington Massacre that have contributed to and are evidence of the ongoing struggle for racial economic justice. By advocating for policies addressing the racial wealth divide and providing restorative justice, we can build a more equitable and just economy for all. 

Northwest Cemetery for African Americans. Courtesy of LaToya A. Lowery