American Experience Screening: "American Coup: Wilmington 1898"

Join KQED Live for a special Oakland screening of American Coup: Wilmington 1898 from PBS American Experience at The New Parkway Theater.

Co-hosted by Picture Motion, Cinemama, the Black Arts Movement Business District (BAMBD), and the Sarah Webster Fabio Center for Social Justice, this community-centered gathering invites audiences to examine one of the most pivotal and under-told events in U.S. history—the only successful coup d’état ever carried out on American soil. Following the screening, stay to engage in a meaningful dialogue about its legacy, impact, and relevance today.

Anchored in Oakland, a city whose cultural identity has long been shaped by social movements, arts activism, and Black political imagination, this event provides a powerful space for reflection and collective learning. Attendees will join filmmakers, community leaders, educators, and residents to explore how suppressed histories like Wilmington 1898 continue to inform modern struggles for democracy, justice, and representation.

The evening will include a post-screening conversation featuring Kieran Haile, a direct descendant of Alex Manly, whose family history is deeply intertwined with the events of the coup. Haile will offer personal insight into the generational impact of the uprising and discuss the critical role storytelling plays in preserving historical truth.

As public media and factual storytelling face mounting political pressures and funding threats, American Coup stands as a reminder of the essential role independent media plays in elevating marginalized voices and safeguarding our collective memory. This Bay Area event aims to spark dialogue, honor intergenerational truth-telling, and inspire continued community engagement toward a more informed and equitable future.

This event is presented by