Print
More News

Publisher’s Note: What Didn’t Happen Last Night

By Rob Kaiser, posted Jun 1, 2020
The images from last night are striking.
 
New Hanover County sheriff’s deputies in riot gear across Third Street. Wilmington police officers taking a knee on Front Street in solidarity with protesters.
 
Firecrackers launched at the police. Tear gas launched at the protesters.
 
Protesters running away, some pouring milk on others’ burning eyes.
 
But what stood out the most this weekend in Wilmington was not Sunday’s striking images. It was Facebook posts on Saturday night.
 
To put it mildly, our country is a confusing place these days.
 
On top of the uncertainty and anger caused by the coronavirus and the resulting shutdown, we now face the uncertainly and anger caused by George Floyd’s death and the resulting backlash.
 
Protests, rioting and looting filled TV screens and social media posts for the past week.
 
This weekend it came here, but Wilmington offered a clear contrast.
 
On Saturday afternoon, a peaceful protest at the 1898 Memorial was held in a steady rain.
 
On Sunday night, the protest led to tear gas, broken windows and arrests.
 
But it could have been much worse without the warnings and guidance of local, African American leaders.
 
After Saturday’s protest took place, word began to spread about another, ominous-sounding protest on Sunday.
 
Rather than rest on the success of the peaceful protest, these leaders looked into what was happening and sent out warnings.
 
Here are parts of their Facebook posts on Saturday night:
 
Wilmington City Councilman Kevin Spears – "Good evening everyone; it has been brought to my attention that the Black Lives Matter protest tomorrow is not being put on by the original Black Lives Matter Wilmington organization. The fear is that someone is trying to stir up some stuff in our city. I’m all for expression and peaceful protests but I don’t want to see our city being destroyed because someone feels like it’ll be fun or exciting to get people hurt. If it’s not Vance Williams’ BLM please don’t participate."
 
Deborah Dicks Maxwell, president of the New Hanover County NAACP – "The event being held tomorrow is not being hosted by the people who had today's event. Red Flags: why do they want you in all black with the sun going down. Why no filming and to cover your face and tattoos? Who are you hiding from? If we are being peaceful don't we want the world to know?"
 
Vance Williams, Black Lives Matter's local chapter – "I am not connected to anything that's happening tomorrow concerning a rally. A group has named themselves Black Lives Matter that I'm not familiar with nor anybody in my group. I have never met or been involved with any forms of activism with them. Some of the questions that you have messaged me I have answered and have no further information. I am not responsible for anything that might occur."
 
In the end, the warnings by Vance, Deborah, Kevin and others were likely responsible for preventing a bad situation from becoming significantly worse.
 
In many cities this past week, peaceful protestors have been swept up in demonstrations with those seeking violence, looting and starting fires. In the end, particularly on TV and social media snippets, it’s hard to tell who’s who.
 
It’s much clearer in Wilmington.
 
For African American leaders in a community living with the legacy of 1898 and facing the unrest of 2020, their actions are beyond impressive.
 
The lasting image of this weekend should be their actions and what didn’t happen last night.
 
Rob Kaiser is the publisher of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal. He can be reached at [email protected].
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Jessiepowellheadshot webversion

5 Reasons to Build Custom Franchise Software

Jessie Powell - Wide Open Tech
Jane

The Childcare Cost Dilemma

Jane Morrow - Smart Start of New Hanover County
Headshots march websized 2

Is Your Commercial Roof Ready for April Showers?

David Grandey - Highland Roofing Company

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

NCino's Fourth-quarter Earnings Signal Rebound From Liquidity Crisis

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 27, 2024

In The Current Issue

INFO JUNKIE: Jack Fleming

Jack Fleming, owner of Socialry Marketing & Scourz and emcee for 1 Million Cups Wilmington, shares his media and tech picks....


Expanding Tastes On Castle Street

As John Willse and Beth Guertin, owners of Wilmington Wine bottle shop and now the recently opened Creative Tastings restaurant on Castle St...


Q&A: Andrews Reflects On Leadership

Pender County Manager David Andrews is slated to retire this summer after 33 years in local government....

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments