White supremacists overthrow government in Wilmington, North Carolina

A group of white supremacists overthrew the government of Wilmington, North Carolina on November 10, 1898, killing at least dozens of Black people in the process. The city’s Republican government resigned after the 500-2,000 strong white mob burned the offices of a Black-owned newspaper and terrorized black neighborhoods. The new state Democratic government passed laws in 1899 disenfranchising Black voters across North Carolina.

Learn more about the 1898 Wilmington Coup.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Anita Hill accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment

On October 6, 1991, law professor Anita Hill accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment, turning his nomination hearings into a national spectacle. Thomas was approved by a full Senate vote of 52-48 on October 15. Read an excerpted version of Hill's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on October 11.

Egypt President Anwar Sadat assassinated

On October 6, 1981, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated by militants in retaliation for signing a peace treaty with Israel.