For some, 1968 represents an introduction to social justice activism. For others, this period represents lingering trauma that continues to haunt the community. Scholars have collected stories, examined historical documents, digitized artifacts, created educational opportunities, and explored how the past has influenced the present. Throughout 2018 and into the beginning of 2019, we invite the community to learn about local civil rights history, engage in dialogue, and become active participants in shaping Wilmington’s future.

Wilmington 1968 is a community-wide reflection 50 years after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Following Dr. King’s death, an emotional public response and demonstrations led to a nine-month occupation of Wilmington, Delaware by the National Guard – the longest occupation of an American city following Dr. King’s assassination. Over the past year, a diverse group representing 20 organizations convened to discuss national and local history preceding and following the events; community responses then and now; and how collective work can improve life for all Wilmingtonians.

1/21/69 Governor Peterson is sworn in. Shortly after being sworn in, Governor Peterson walks over to the Governor's Office, fires the head of the National Guard, and appoints Adjutant General Brigadier General Clarence E. Atkinson to take over. He then orders him to get the National Guard off the street that very night.

9/2/68 Governor Terry's suspicion that Wilmington was still unsafe was heightened when six young men connected to the Black Liberation Army were arrested for having ammo and guns at the Cherry Island Marsh. "Operation Free Streets" is formed - an initiative by a cross-section of community leaders to protest the occupation. 10/18/68 Sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raise their black glove and sock-covered fists on Olympic awards podium in protest for civil rights. 10/29/68 - 10/30/68 Two FBI Agents are beaten by local black Wilmingtonians as the agents attempted to do an AWOL arrest of Robert L. Barber for deserting the Army.

6/19/68 The Poor People’s March on Washington’s Solidarity Day takes place, featuring speeches by Coretta Scott King, Eugene McCarthy, and Ralph Abernathy. Between 50,000 and 100,000 people are estimated to have attended. The Black Association for Economic Community Control (BAECC) wants to open a black owned grocery store to provide employment for black youth. 7/5/68 To prevent outside agitators from coming to the University of Delaware and Delaware State College, the General Assembly passes an anti-loitering bill. 7/23/68 A shootout occurs between Black Panthers and police forces in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. The National Guard is called in to de-escalate the violence.

5/3/68 Nikki Giovanni’s Black Feeling, Black Talk is celebrated at party at Soulville West Store in Wilmington, Delaware. 5/4/68 The United Klan of Delaware makes it known they will have a membership drive in Dover on May 4, 1968. 5/10/68 After petitioning to be a part of the naming process of two new buildings on Delaware State College's campus, student body president Leroy Tate leads a demonstration disrupting Governor Terry's speech at the dedication of the buildings. The students requested that the male dorm be named after Medgar Evers and and the student center for Martin Luther King, Jr. 5/15/68 The caravan for the Poor People’s March arrives in Wilmington, Delaware and about 100 Wilmington residents join. 5/17/68 University of Delaware students, both black and white, hold a solidarity sit-in for Delaware State College students and the removal of the National Guard in Wilmington.

4/4/68 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated. 4/8/68 Peace rally is held in downtown Wilmington to honor Dr. King’s death. 4/8/68 - 4/10/68 Delaware National Guard is called in to support police and firefighters as fires break out amid reports of sniping and looting. 4/10/68 A curfew banned groups of 10 or more from gathering. 4/11/68 Over 400 people are arrested in the civil disorder in Wilmington. President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, which was to provide equal housing opportunities regardless of race, religion, national origin and sex. 4/29/68 Douglas F. Henry Jr. is shot and dies 4 hours later by National Guardsman Joseph F. Murray. Shooting happens within the vicinity of 2nd and Market.

3/6/68 New Heritage Theater performs their production “Hip, Black, and Angry” at Bancroft High School with sponsorship of the People’s Settlement and Christina Community Center (present day Christina Cultural Art Center). 3/20/68 Under the direction of the student body president Leroy Tate, classes at Delaware State College are boycotted. 3/27/68 - 3/28/68 - Approximately 200 demonstrators occupied Legislative Hall in Dover, Delaware, as the Senate was to vote on the reduction of welfare benefits. Most participants left after two days; however, about 50 remained and were forcibly removed by police.

8/4/67 General assembly of the state of Delaware passes three part bill, “An Act to Amend Title 11, Delaware Code, Relating to Crimes by Imposing Criminal Penalties for Riots” a three part law.

The William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown, Delaware, a segregated Black school, is closed down. Its students are moved to integrated schools. Over 150 cities experience protests and riots related to civil rights and policing, leading that time span to be dubbed the “Long, Hot Summer.” 7/27/67 President Lyndon B. Johnson addresses nation on Civil Disorders. He rejects the lingering claims that the riots were part of a civil rights protest, and denounces the entire episode as a mass crime. A skirmish occurs at Talmo Tavern (607 Lincoln Street) after African American youth are denied service at club. After men are denied services they come back around 10:40 p.m. and “raid” cafe. 7/29/67 A 2:00 a.m. curfew is called by Mayor Babiarz.

Wilmington Youth Emergency Action Council forms to create a Black Awareness group and improve their community. Eventually local and federal money is given to support and direct the group. Youth are put on payroll, basketball teams start and other activities to improve their lives.

4/9/66 Klan gathers again to burn cross in Millsboro, Delaware with hope of having 5,000 shows up for rally but due to poor weather only 300 show.

7/2/64 Civil Rights Act of 1964 enacted which. “The provisions of this civil rights act forbade discrimination on the basis of sex as well as race in hiring, promoting, and firing."

2/12/62 Students from University of Delaware and Delaware State College arrested for breaking Inn Keeper's Law. 2/21/62 Interracial group of students from University of Delaware and Delaware State College will go on trial for violation of Innkeeper's Law, which allowed for public places to refuse service to anyone who might make the majority uncomfortable.

JFK pushes for integration of restaurants along route 40 to prevent further embarrassment of international officials being denied services in their travels to Washington D.C.

People's Settlement Association recognizes the neighborhood on the Eastside of Wilmington is changing due to white flight and will have to switch to helping newly arrived African Americans .

A forthcoming Source Book will contain essays that complement a commissioned work of art by Hank Willis Thomas at the Delaware Art Museum. The Source Book will be available for purchase in summer 2018. Additional online resources will be added as they become available.

Numerous resources exist to help you investigate the events leading up to, during, and following the nine-month occupation of Wilmington, Delaware in 1968. Connect with projects, archival repositories, and educational materials to explore this history.

“Whereas, I find that an emergency exists in the City of Wilmington, New Castle County, State of Delaware, due to public disorder or threat of public disorder which threatens or affects life, property and the public peace: Now, Therefore, Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3125, Title 20, Delaware Code, I hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists in the City of Wilmington, New Castle County, State of Delaware. Approved this 8th day of April, A.D. 1968.” Charles L. Terry, Jr., Governor; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives.

“Whereas, I find that it is necessary to provide for the protection of the lives or property of the people of this State because of the imminent danger of domestic violence or breach of the public peace or imminent danger to the lives or property of the people of this State; Now, Therefore, Pursuant to the provisions of Section 171, Title 20, Delaware Code, I hereby call out such parts of the Delaware National Guard as may be necessary to preserve the public peace or protect the lives and property of the people of this State. Approved this 9th day of April, A.D. 1968.” Charles L. Terry, Jr., Governor; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives.

“Words cannot express the sentiments of members of the Wilmington Bureau of Fire and myself for your noble support in supplying the Delaware National Guardsmen and the Delaware Air National guardsmen to the city fire stations during the recent disturbance in the City of Wilmington. These men performed their duties in a most professional and noteworthy manner.” Chief John J. Malloy, April 26, 1968; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives.

“We feel that the occupation of Wilmington by National Guard troops is an unnecessary intimidation of the Black community. No other city in the United States remains occupied by government forces. We feel that your position concerning this matter is morally wrong, because the presence of the Guard deprives Wilmington Black citizens of the freedom to live as free and productive members of American society.” Black students of the University of Delaware, received May 14, 1968 in Governor’s Office; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives.

“Peoples Settlement strongly supports the preservation of law and order by civil authorities, but we believe the continued presence of the Guard is excessive force, selectively applied to ghetto residents in a way in which may [sic] find repressive and intimidating.” Board of Directors President Alden D. Josey, May 28, 1968; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives.

"Thank you for ordering the Delaware State Police and the National Guard to patrol Wilmington.” Anonymous letter, July 5, 1968; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives.

“The Executive Committee Delaware Chapter National Association of Social Workers wishes to register its objection to the presence of the National Guard on the streets of Wilmington…The estrangement thus created between suppressed citizens under the guise of protection and law enforcement does nothing to restore law and order to our community.” July 25, 1968 telegram; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives.

“I want to assure you that my decision to order the continued presence of the National Guard in the City of Wilmington is one of the hardest decisions that I have had to make as Governor of the State of Delaware. We are faced with an extraordinary situation in Wilmington which necessitates extraordinary measures. I know very well that the National Guard is distasteful to many people, of which I am one, but the reports that I receive daily indicate their continued presence in necessary and indeed is desired by the residents of Wilmington.” Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., August 8, 1968; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives.

“I find that most people that write to me or communicate with me otherwise both black and white express a distinct preference for the National Guard to remain in Wilmington at least for the time being.” Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., October 10, 1968; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives

“National Federation of Settlements fully supports request by People’s Settlement Association of Wilmington that you remove National Guard troups [sic]…presence of guardsmen on patrol is a source of tension, antagonism that far our-weights [sic] peace keeping mission.” Executive Director Margaret E. Berry, November 25, 1968; Governor Papers, Governor Charles L. Terry, Jr., Civil Defense/Civil Disorder, Delaware Public Archives.

“It is a combination of things that had brought us to ’68, and it’s a combination of things that has brought us to this state, and it hasn’t really changed. Until you change the minds of racism—whether it’s black, white, pink, or green—until you change that mindset, here you are; where you’ve always been.” Bebe Coker, June 28, 2017

“…past is the present for some communities.” Matthew Pillischer, June 28, 2017