In 1995, the late Dr. Bolton Anthony dared to explore the most heinous event that occurred in Wilmington, North Carolina in November of 1898. This coup is the only successful coup accomplished in these United States. With a core group of people, this project took flight with increased support from the community and surrounding areas.

Bertha Boykin Todd was corralled by Dr. Anthony to work with this initiative, and she remained until the goal of the 1898 Foundation was achieved — the erection of the 1898 Memorial Park. Over the past 27 years, stories/narratives/anecdotes have been relayed to Todd and to Todd only... Additionally, the facts and the important people involved have been lost/forgotten.

Reflections on a Massacre and a Coup recounts individuals who have transitioned and their vital participation in this most important initiative. The anecdotes in Reflections reveal information being relayed for the FIRST time.

And other stories never revealed.

Reflections is dedicated to:

• The Late Bolton Anthony who had the vision to begin the process of addressing this heinous event.

• The Late Lisbon C. Berry, a civil rights attorney, from Washington, DC who was instrumental in "kicking off" this project.

• The Late Senator Luther H. Jordan who took this project to the state level.

• Professor Emeritus/Dr. Melton A. McLaurin who, despite his busy schedule, remained with this project until the completion of the 1898 Memorial Park; and

• Ms. Penelope "Penny" Spicer-Sidbury who raised pertinent questions regarding the history of the initiative which propelled the author to write this book.