African Americans in Wilmington's history are featured in a section over 100 pages long, with details about families and individuals who helped build the businesses and community institutions, and some notables like -

Mr. Merrick, the city lamplighter.  When he died in 1869, the city's gas lights were draped in crepe in respect for his memory.

Omar Ibn Said, Uncle Moreau, from Senegal, West Africa.

William Darnell Polite - David Brinkley, TV commentator described Mr. Polite: 'As much an institution at Wrightsville as the waves in the ocean, and nearly as widely known...'

Simon Richardson, who lead a charmed life, 'shot five times (during the Civil War)...on one occasion he was in a tub of water...in front of the hearth...lightning struck the chimney, ran down, and shattered the tub under Simon.'

Carrie Sadgwar Manly, awarded a scholarship to Fisk University, leading soprano in Fisk's Mozart Society, and sang in a command performance for Queen Victoria.

Sammy Davis, Sr. who was born here in 1901, noted as entertainer and father of his famous son, another entertainer.

Robert Freeman and family, who built and developed Seabreeze resort.

Althea Gibson who came here, graduated from Williston and began shaping her career as a tennis player, went on to win Wimbledon and the US Open and became the third woman to be named Athlete of the Year.

Caterina Jarboro debuted in Grand Opera at the Milan Opera House in Italy, thrilled audiences in Vichy, France, and performed at Carnegie Hall.  She helped pave the way for talented women of color in American Opera.

Judge Armond W. Scott, admitted to the bar at age 21, appointed by President Roosevelt as judge on District of Columbia Municipal Court, and continued service through the Truman and Eisenhower administrations.

Robert Taylor who graduated valedictorian from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, becoming the first

professionally trained architect in the United States and architect of many of the buildings at the Tuskegee Institute.

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