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American Experience – American Coup: Wilmington 1898 • WXXI-WORLD

Tells the little-known story of a deadly race massacre and carefully orchestrated insurrection in North Carolina’s largest city in 1898.

American Experience – American Coup: Wilmington 1898 airs Friday, November 15 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD. 

Stoking fears of “Negro Rule,” self-described white supremacists used intimidation and violence to destroy Black political and economic power and overthrow Wilmington’s democratically-elected, multi-racial government.

Photo: A mob celebrates in front of the burned Love & Charity Hall which housed the black-owned and -edited newspaper/Credit: The Daily Record. Courtesy of New Hanover County Public Library.

Tell Your WXXI Story – A message from Chris Hastings

As we mark the 60-day milestone of my arrival and our “Bringing Us Together” campaign, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I’ve learned in my short time here in Rochester. This is a special community — one that values how WXXI shows up every day. You count on us to provide fact-based, balanced journalism, quality entertainment for the whole family, and educational opportunities that bring us together and keep us whole — no matter what our political ideology is. 

We do this work because Rochester deserves it. Because you deserve it. 

But right now, public media — including WXXI — is facing one of its greatest challenges. Federal funding, which has long helped sustain local public media stations like ours, is at risk. Proposed budget cuts and funding freezes threaten our ability to continue delivering the trusted news, cultural programming, and lifelong learning opportunities that serve every corner of this community. 

In a world increasingly divided by partisanship, WXXI stands as a rare and essential space that serves everyone — on radio, television, digital platforms, and in person. We are a vital part of Rochester’s civic and cultural life, and we need your help to ensure we remain strong. 

I’m asking you to share your story. Tell us what WXXI means to you. Your voice matters, and your testimonials can help protect the future of public media. Visit Protect My Public Media to add your voice and learn how you can advocate for continued federal support. 

Now more than ever, our community needs a trusted source for news, storytelling, and connection. And together, we can make sure WXXI continues to be that source. Thank you for believing in us. 

Warm Regards

Chris Hastings 
President & CEO
WXXI Public Media 

Bored in Rochester? Here are 10 things to do right now!

If you’re new in town or just looking for something different to do, WXXI’s staff has 10 amazing recommendations for people of all ages and backgrounds. Is there something we’re missing? Drop us a line and tell us and we might include it in a future installment. 

Make some memories you’ll regret on a bar crawl at East & Alexander
– Kseniya Kalaur, Digital Strategist  

Do you think there’s nothing to do in Rochester on a Friday or Saturday night? I got you covered. Head to The Daily Refresher for a slow start – grab a cocktail, dinner and a chat with your friends (if you have any), or just enjoy the demure and mindful atmosphere because it’s going to get loud. 

Then head to Murphy’s Law to check out one of Rochester’s best pubs. Grab a beer, watch TV and get ready for the next stop – which is Filgers! No matter if you’re in a big company or alone it’s always fun there. And it’s a great place to meet new people.  

I like to end my night in Swan Dive. First off, I really like the lightning and if it gets too overwhelming inside, you can chill outside. If you are looking for something even more club-like, head to Studio Lounge (a short walk from East & Alexander) or one of my local favorites, The Revelry (~5 min drive). 

Experience cinema history with “Silent Tuesdays” at the George Eastman Museum 
– Mona Seghatoleslami, WXXI Classical Music Director & Afternoon Host


The earliest movies, from the 1890s through the late 1920s, are known as “silent” films – they have no synchronized soundtrack, but that doesn’t mean they were meant to be experienced in silence. These pictures come to life when accompanied by live music. 

The George Eastman Museum has an amazing archive of silent movies, but the true treasure is Dr. Philip Carli, one of the finest silent film accompanists in the world, playing for us right here in Rochester. 

Carli improvises the music for these movies live at the piano, finding just the right musical phrases to underscore comedies from Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd, grand sweeping epics, domestic dramas, eerie thrillers, and more. You owe it to yourself to experience a silent movie with Philip Carli playing piano – and you too may find yourself drawn back again and again as one of the dedicated fans who look forward to these magical Tuesday evenings every autumn. 

See the sunrise at one of Rochester’s lighthouses 
– Jacob Walsh, CITY Magazine Art Director

I was a night-owl in my younger years. At the tender age of 30, I’m much more of a morning person. I’d also argue I’m still in my younger years, but that’s a different conversation. 

The feeling of calm and stillness that floats through the air before 7 a.m. is a feeling I can’t capture anywhere else in my life. During the summer months, when I’m up and at ’em around 5:30, I like to put on my helmet, hop on my motorcycle, and jet off to one of Rochester’s lighthouses. It feels oddly rewarding to get up a little earlier than normal, grab a thermos of coffee, and go sit on a big rock among the early-morning waves, just you and the folks  heading out in their boats to fish the lake before everyone else shows up and the sun gets too high in the sky. 

If you’re overdue for an epiphany, you need to center yourself, or you just want to observe how the sun rises slowly over the horizon and shoots dazzling rays of light off the rippling surface of the water, find yourself a lighthouse on the shores of Lake Ontario (we have several) and settle in to start your day next to this massive body of water. 

A lake with a board walk that leads to a lighthouse

Discover the oldest trees around in this city forest 
– Alison Zero Jones, Director, Corporate Sponsorship

You can hike a seemingly infinite number of trails in the Finger Lakes, and all the possibilities often obscure the gems in Rochester city limits. The 26-acre Washington Grove in Cobbs Hill Park offers easy access to an old-growth forest, one populated with 100- to 200-year-old towering oaks, and loads of maples planted by Rochester school children back in the 1930s. 

This special sliver of Rochester is formally protected by the @oldgrowthforestnetwork, and @friendsofwashingtongrove kindly look after it. The ol’ green lung also offers access to artist-repurposed water towers where friends can argue over which work is best and/or debate freedom of expression – many options. Part of the glacially formed Pinnacle Range, this whole zone is a must-tread. Dreamy Nunda Blvd. leads visitors to its entrance.   

Shop for yourself, or any other musician or music lover in your life 
– Hannah Maier, The Route Music Director & Afternoon Host

When I think of Rochester, I think of all the music. You can find a live concert almost every night of the week from across styles and genres. Along with all the musicians, you’ve got to have a good source of music shops, and Rochester does! 

First off, you have to go to Sound Source at 161 Norris Drive. It’s the best place to find used music equipment in Rochester. They get so many unique guitars, keyboards, recording, and vintage equipment, and their inventory is always changing. They also have what they call “bargain alley.” It’s really just a messy hallway, but you’ll find some of the best deals of your life in that hallway. 

Next, head to Record Archive at 33 Rockwood St for some of the best finds on records in town, fun ‘gifty’ items, and a wonderful staff. Finally, head to Bernunzios at 122 East Ave. Bernunzios has some of the most unique wood and stringed instruments in the city, and honestly, the world. They have vintage instruments you usually can’t see in person, and the most amazing selection of banjos I’ve ever seen.  

Destroy your arteries with Rochester’s OTHER signature dish 
– Gino Fanelli, Investigations/City Hall Reporter

While basking in the glow of the garbage plate’s grease-stained glory, one could be forgiven for thinking it is the only artery-clogging creation the Flower City can take credit for.   

But it isn’t. It’s not even the best. For that, you have to head to Country Sweet, the chicken and ribs joint defined by its viscous, sugary, vinegary, and slightly spicy sauce. Many Rochesterians know the sauce as “sweet and sour,” a disambiguation of Country Sweet to include pale imitators like Boss Sauce or Sal’s Sassy Sauce. But there is no replacement for the real deal.   

The offerings at the restaurant’s two locations, on Mount Hope Avenue and West Ridge Road, are preserved in amber: chicken, fish, and shrimp, all battered, dredged, and fried, placed on a bed of plain white bread to soak up the liquid, and then drowned in the signature sauce. It’s greasy, salty, sweet, savory, tangy, spicy, and the sort of thing a more responsible society would have you sign a waiver before consuming. And it’s divine.   

The sauce itself? Good on everything, and I mean that to the most extreme degree. Every time I’m away from Rochester, I miss it more than anything or anyone else. It’s irreplaceable, indescribable, and something any true Rochesterian needs to experience. In moderation.  

Pretend you’re a kid again and have a playdate at the Strong Museum 
– David Streever, Director of Digital Product

When’s the last time you really played? I’m a full-grown adult like you, not two children in a trench coat, but after having kids I realized I had been neglecting play for years. 

It’s hard to find the time – or confidence – to just let go and play as a grownup. But Rochester has the perfect place to remember what it’s like to be a kid: The Strong National Museum of Play.  

Go early on a weekend or a weekday, and you can play the arcade games of your childhood. If you feel weird, you can bring a kid with you and sit in for a story hour – but adults are welcome at any time. The historical exhibits are interesting whenever you can see them, but if you’re not good at taking turns and want to go when it’s just adults, keep an eye out for the semi-regular ‘happiest hour,’ when the museum shuts down for a 21+ evening.  

Get lost in a warehouse full of art – over 500,000 pieces await – Kristie Colombo, IT Manager

Rochester is rich with art galleries, museums and creative spaces. ARTISANworks is different.  More than 500,000 artworks are on display in the 50,000 square foot warehouse on Blossom Road. As you wander through the gallery, each space will transport you to a different and unique experience. The art includes paintings, photography, wood carvings and creations, metalworks, even antique and famous automobiles. Some of Rochester is preserved here as well. Reconstructed buildings and historical artifacts honor memorable neighborhoods, businesses, and legendary people that shaped our community.  

And then there are other worlds ARTISANworks can transport you to. Bourbon Street, New Orleans,  Rick’s Café from Casablanca, a classic firehouse, and many other themed locations have been recreated. The art is displayed everywhere, inside and out, on the ceilings and walls. There is something to explore and ponder in every crack and crevice. It is not the traditional art viewing experience with paintings evenly spaced on the walls and some sculptures in the middle of the room. ARTISANworks is a must see. You need to explore this creative, artistic wonderland. They are open Friday – Sunday 12-5PM. 

Note: Kristie is married to an employee of ARTISANWorks. 

Bike the Genesee River on a car-free trail through the heart of Rochester 
– Katie Epner, Creative Content Producer

There’s no better way to get to know a place than on a bike. Growing up in Rochester, it wasn’t until I explored it on two wheels that I truly fell in love with our city. The Genesee River Trail is a fantastic place to start— and it’s only getting better with improvements from the @ROCtheRiverway project and the impending High Falls State Park! 13 [mostly] mellow miles between the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario take you through parks, waterfalls, boardwalks, bridges, forests and an overwhelming wonder that all of this exists within our city. Bike groups abound, and if you’re in need of wheels, the incredible volunteers at @r_community_bikes can hook you up. What are you waiting for? 🛎️ Get on your bikes and ride! 🛎️ 

Read your way across Rochester at these 9 independent bookstores 
– Scott Pukos, Director of Communications, The Little Theatre

There’s a certain romanticism about bookstores. Endless universes, charming characters, tales of triumph or tragedy, and that plot twist you didn’t see coming—they all await us on bookstore shelves.   

Rochester not only has a plentiful selection of charming bookstores, they’re also (mostly) all within walking/biking distance, which of course means (all caps are necessary here) BOOKSTORE CRAWL. Perfect for dates, solo adventures, friend hangouts, or even a prime way to gain that important character growth with your arch nemesis.  

We have the beautifully witchy vibes of The Unreliable Narrator (302 N. Goodman), top-tier breakfast sandwiches and the cutest cat pillow at Bookeater (836 S. Clinton), plus Writers & Books’ magically indie spot, Ampersand Books (740 University Ave.). Additionally, there’s Akimbo (714 University Ave.), which focuses on social justice plus international fiction, the queer-focused Archivist Books at 772 Monroe Ave. (“read gay books” is just a perfect slogan/piece of advice), and Hipocampo Children’s Books (638 South Ave.), which features books that represent the various cultures and languages of Western New York.   

There are also excellent spots for used books, including Rick’s Recycled Books (737 Monroe Ave), Greenwood Books (123 East Ave.), and Small World Books (425 North Street). Couple this with dozens of whimsical bookstores in the suburbs, plus the positively top-notch Monroe County libraries, and it’s clear Rochester is a haven for readers of all ages.  


NOVA “Building Stuff: Boost It” • WXXI-TV

Hosted by professional engineer and former NASA researcher Dr. Nehemiah Mabry (“Dr. Nee”), this three-part series follows some of the most creative engineering experts as they build stuff that helps extend our range, amplify our abilities, and alter our environment for the better.

NOVA “Building Stuff: Boost It” airs Wednesdays, November 13-27 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

The series invites audiences to experience the ups and downs with engineers as they design, build, and test their way through challenges, inspiring the inner “maker” in all of us. The three episodes are:

● “Building Stuff: Boost It” (premieres Wednesday, Nov. 13) Around the world, engineers are finding ingenious ways to amplify our abilities and senses – allowing us to access and shape the world way beyond our natural abilities. From helping a blind man see without the use of his eyes to building a sling so powerful it can propel rockets into space, see why engineering just might be the closest thing to a superpower we humans have. This episode is presented as part of Move to IncludeTM, a WXXI and Golisano Foundation initiative designed to promote inclusion.

●  “Building Stuff: Reach It!” (premieres Wednesday, Nov. 20)
From the time our species first evolved, we’ve been on the move. Not content to stay in one place, we’ve schemed and invented and built our way from one place to the next. From affordable deep sea subs to flying taxis to next-gen space habitats, see how today’s engineers are designing and building creative new ways for us to get all around — and even off — our planet.

●  “Building Stuff: Change It!” (premieres Wednesday, Nov. 27)                                                                                             
For as long as humans have been around, we’ve been altering the spaces around us to better suit our needs. From accessing ancient wisdom to build a better water filter to designing a robot that uses acoustics to monitor coral reef health, see how today’s engineers are applying their craft to reshape the natural world and create new human-made environments to enhance our lives in amazing ways.

Photo: NASA researcher Dr. Nehemiah Mabry/ Credit© WGBH Educational Foundation

Renegades: Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care On-Demand

Brad Lomax joined the Black Panther Party and was the founder of the East Oakland Center for Independent Living He had multiple sclerosis and used a wheelchair. Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement, which laid the groundwork for the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

Educational Resources: Brad Lomax: Creating Communities of Care PBS LearningMedia Video, Discussion Questions and Teaching Tips (Grades 9-12)


Watch Full Episode

Watch Full Episode(Open Captioning + ASL)

Watch Full Episode(Extended Audio Description + Open Captioning)

Learn More About Brad Lomax

Learn More about American Masters Renegades

More About Brad Lomax:

Brad Lomax (1950-1984) was a civil rights and disability rights leader who had multiple sclerosis and used a wheelchair.

He was a member of the Black Panther Party and a founder of the East Oakland Center for Independent Living in the 1970s, an organization focused on assisting people with disabilities to live on their own, rather than with family or in institutions.

An experienced organizer, Lomax also built a Black Panther health clinic in DC and was in charge of the first aid tent at the Black Panther Convention and at the 1972 African Liberation parade. Lomax was one of the key protesters during the historic 26-day 504 sit-in at the Federal Building in San Francisco in 1977, which demanded the government enforce regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, to prohibit discrimination of people with disabilities. He brought in the Black Panther Party to feed the protestors, which many credit for the success of the sit-in. The sit-in resulted in entities receiving federal funds being required to make their programs and spaces accessible, and paved the way for the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite his pivotal role in the disability justice movement, the story of Brad Lomax is largely overlooked, and descriptions of the Black Panther Party’s alliance with the 504 demonstrators rarely mention Lomax’s previous work in civil rights and disability justice, and his coalition building efforts.

The episode features interviews with: Glenn Lomax, Lomax’s brother; Corbett O’Toole, disability rights advocate and a contemporary of Lomax who participated with him in the 504 sit-in; Cara Reedy, Director of the Disabled Journalists Association; Sami Schalk, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Gender & Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, whose book Black Disability Politics provides scholarship and perspective on Brad Lomax’s life and legacy.

American Experience – American Coup: Wilmington 1898 • WXXI-TV

Tells the little-known story of a deadly race massacre and carefully orchestrated insurrection in North Carolina’s largest city in 1898.

American Experience – American Coup: Wilmington 1898 airs Tuesday, November 12 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV. 

Stoking fears of “Negro Rule,” self-described white supremacists used intimidation and violence to destroy Black political and economic power and overthrow Wilmington’s democratically-elected, multi-racial government.

Photo: A mob celebrates in front of the burned Love & Charity Hall which housed the black-owned and -edited newspaper/Credit: The Daily Record. Courtesy of New Hanover County Public Library.

Renegades: Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future – On-Demand

An African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century, Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe.

Educational Resources: Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future PBS LearningMedia Video, Discussion Questions and Teaching Tips (Grades 9-12)


Watch Full Episode

Watch Full Episode(Open Captioning + ASL)

Watch Full Episode(Extended Audio Description + Open Captioning)

Learn More About Thomas Wiggins

Learn More about American Masters Renegades

More About Thomas Wiggins: (1849-1908) was an African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century.

Wiggins was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, he was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Billed as “Blind Tom, The Blind Negro Boy Pianist” he became the highest grossing, most ticketed act of his time. After the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect in 1863, Thomas Wiggins was fought over in the courts like a piece of property, leading to him being placed under a conservatorship until his death. In the course of his career, Wiggins earned his owners the largest fortune ever attained by a pianist at the time, the equivalent of over $32 million today.

Today, an estimated 1.3 million disabled people are under conservatorship or guardianship in the United States, and this intersection of disability, guardianship, and artistic exploitation continues to pervade our contemporary narratives, such as the recent public discourse surrounding the guardianship of pop icon Britney Spears, making this film exceedingly timely. Through Wiggins’ story, Renegades explores the broader, systemic issues related to lack of agency for individuals kept under conservatorships, and pose critical questions about our definitions of individual capacity, control, and freedom.

The episode features interviews with: Angela Miles-Williams, a descendant of Thomas Wiggins; jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker; composer and musicologist George E. Lewis; classical pianist John Davis; Lydia X.Z. Brown, Founding Executive Director of The Autistic People of Color Fund; and Dr. Dwandalyn Reece, Curator of Music and Performing Arts at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The episode also features performances by: Lachi, Matthew Whitaker, and John Davis.

American Masters “Renegades” Screening & Panel Discussion • The Little Theatre

WXXI and Move to Include are proud to host a special American Masters screening of Renegades, a new digital series that showcases the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities. The screening will feature Extended Audio Description and large open captioning. ASL interpretation will be provided for the introduction and the moderated panel discussion.

Reserve your free seat now!

The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

Join us Monday, December 9th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Little Theatre for a special American Masters screening of the following Renegade episodes – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (1924-2012), the country’s highest-ranking Asian American political figure for nearly 50 years; Judith Lynn Del Ray (1943-1986), a science fiction and fantasy editor, who published books from sci-fi luminaries such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick, and George Lucas’ “Star Wars” in novel form; and Brad Lomax (1950-1984), a key participant in the historic 504 sit-in of 1977.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion led by Markus Essien, who directed and produced the Brad Lomax episode. Panelists include Kiki Smith, a local Blind activist; and Edward Ashton, author.

MORE ABOUT OUR MODERATOR:

Markus Essien is the Photography & Digital Arts Program Coordinator at Flower City Arts. He is also a filmmaker and musician originally from Washington, DC. He received his BA in Classics from Howard University and an Ed.M. from Harvard. Markus is dedicated to championing the arts, advancing education, and celebrating underdogs. He served as Director and Producer on the Renegades: Brad Lomax episode.

MORE ABOUT OUR PANELISTS:

Kiki Smith is a local Blind activist, who serves as Outreach and Fundraising Coordinator for the South East Area Coalition (SEAC). At SEAC she develops partnerships that advance inclusive thinking and promote a sense of belonging. With roots in education and community building, her vision transcends the challenges of vision loss to shed light on the simplicity and necessity of developing systems, programs, spaces, and technology that invite all and insure accessibility. Her daily lived experience as a multi-disabled woman fuels her commitment to ensuring equitable resources an opportunity in the workplace and for the community she serves.

An organic change-maker, Kiki volunteers with several community organizations, including Upstate New York Blind Recreation (formerly Rochester Area Blind Athletes), RBTL’s audio-description program, the National Beep Baseball Association, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley, and Goodwill Vision Enterprises. She has served on the boards of Challenger Miracle Field, the Women’s Care Center, and the Seton Foundation.

Edward Ashton is the author of seven novels, including MICKEY7 (now a motion picture directed by Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho and starring Robert Pattinson). His newest book, THE FOURTH CONSORT, is forthcoming from St. Martin’s Press in February, 2025. His short fiction has appeared in venues ranging from the newsletter of an Italian sausage company to Analog Science Fiction and Fact, Fireside Fiction, and Escape Pod. In his free time, he enjoys cancer research, teaching quantum physics to sullen graduate students, and boiling maple sap into syrup. You can find him online at edwardashton.com.

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