National Black Leadership Caucus SE Region

presents

Tribute to Mary Alice Jervay Thatch

The Black Press Rising From The Ashes of 1898

November 10th - 6pm

 Free Admission, Tickets Required 

In commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the 1898 Massacre and Coup d'état, our community will present "The Black Press Rising From The Ashes of 1898," a tribute to Mary Alice Jervay Thatch, former Publisher and Editor of the Wilmington Journal. The 1898 Massacre and Coup d'état is the only successful government takeover in American history. In 1901, just three years after the Massacre, R. S. Jervay began a printing company. In 1927, the now-historic Wilmington Journal published its first edition. 

Since Mary Alice's passing on December 28, 2021, Wilmington, NC, has not had an opportunity to honor her legacy. We invite the public to join us for this free gathering.

Mary Alice Jervay Thatch was the Publisher/Editor of the Journal. She was crucial in securing a "Pardon of Innocence for the Wilmington Ten." This pardon, signed by former Governor Bev Perdue on December 31, 2012, exonerated ten civil rights activists who had been falsely convicted and imprisoned for nearly a decade following a riot in 1971 regarding school desegregation. The Wilmington Ten included eight African-American high school students, an African-American minister, and a white female social worker who became victims of the racial and political turbulence during America's civil rights era.

The location of the Journal is across the street from where "The Daily Record" Editor, Alex Manley, once stood before it was targeted and burned to the ground in the 1898 Massacre. The Wilmington Journal has endured harrowing challenges, one of which was a bombing in 1973. White supremacists carried it out in retaliation for the Journal's advocacy for justice for The Wilmington Ten. At that time, Mary Alice's father, Mr. Thomas C. Jervay, led with unwavering determination, ensuring that The Wilmington Journal remained open without fear or bias.

The program will feature public officials, descendants of the 1898 victims, Wayne Moore of The Wilmington Ten, Rev. Dr. Barber, activists, and community leaders, all coming together to pay tribute to Mary Alice Jervay Thatch. The Mistress of Ceremony for the event will be Frances Weller, and there will be musical performances by Sol Tree Reign, Violinist Christa Faison, and Marva Robinson of the Williston Choir.