The City of Wilson celebrated its 177th birthday today. Take a look at “our city’s story,” they said. “Explore Wilson’s history and timeline.” 

I did. And it’s neither the story, nor the history, nor much of a timeline. I suppose glossy boosterism is one way a city can choose to commemorate its past, but which past? In 2026, Wilson has adopted the viewpoint of its business and political elite, furthering cementing this limited perspective as the one that counts.

Mere days from February 1, I’m reminded of the why of Black Wide-Awake. In the end, it’s up to us to write ourselves into the narrative.