"Wilmington-10"

Include the Rev.Benjamin Chavis,one social worker and eight school students.They were accused,and later convicted,of conspiring to

firebomb Mike's Grocery and then firing at resonding firefighters during the racial unrest that hit Wilmington,North Carolina, in 1971.The racial tension exploded and when forced integration of New Hanover County Schools resulted in a boycott by African-American students.As the students protested and white supremacist groups patrolled Wilmington streets,two people were killed and extensive property damage was caused by rioting.The 10 were convicted a year later after a controversial trial that include testimony by key witnesses who later recanted.The 10 were sentenced to a combined total of more than 280 years in jail.

After Amnesty International took up the case and "60 Minutes" suggested that evidence used in court was fabricated,Government Jim Hunt reduced their prison sentences.The charges against the 10 were overturned in 1980 by an appellate court.

In December 2012,outgoing North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue pardoned the ten."These convictions were tainted by naked racism and represent an ugly stain on North Carolina's criminal justice system that cannot be allowed to stand by any longer." Beverly said."Justice demands that this stain finally be "removed."

The 10 are pictured in the above photo at a 1976 news conference.Front row: The Rev.Benjamin Chavis (from left),William "Joe" Wright II,Connie Tindall and Jerry Jacobs.Back row: Wayne Moore (from left),Anne Turner,James McKoy,Willie Vereen,Marvin Patrick and Regnald Epps.