George Henry White, an outspoken Republican and the last African American Congressman of the Reconstruction era, represented North Carolina’s “Black Second” district. On this day, November 10, 1898, the Wilmington Insurrection (also known as the Wilmington Massacre) occurred—a violent white supremacist coup that overthrew the elected, biracial government of Wilmington, NC.

White, who served two terms in Congress (1897–1901), was known for:

• Introducing the first federal anti-lynching legislation (defeated in Congress),
• Co-founding the first African American-owned bank in Philadelphia after relocating there,
• Advocating for civil rights, economic empowerment, and Black self-determination.

After white supremacist violence and voter suppression dismantled Black political power in North Carolina, White left the state, famously stating:

“This is perhaps the Negroes’ temporary farewell to the American Congress, but let me say, Phoenix-like he will rise up someday and come again.”