Arts and Entertainment
| Road to redemption of NC family’s property against odds |
| Published Sunday, October 15, 2023 9:00 pm |
Road to redemption of NC family’s property against odds
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| NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION |
| The Reels family of North Carolina is the focus of “Silver Dollar Road,” a documentary on how the family fought to reclaim their land from developers. |
“Silver Dollar Road”
3 stars of 4
Swindlers stealing land from Black folks is an age-old scam. One worth exposing.
Silver Dollar Road is a waterfront property in North Carolina that’s been in the Reels family for generations. Unbeknownst to them, they’ve been conned out of a large portion of their acreage by a deceitful relative and conniving white land developers.
That parcel sits on a lake and would be prime real estate for hotels and such. But for the family it’s home, the place where generations docked their boats and went out fishing. No one could know how much it means to them. How much history is there. This robbery feels personal. So, how do you get back what never should have been stolen?
Documentarian and filmmaker extraordinaire Raoul Peck (“I Am Not Your Negro,” “Lumumba”) focuses on the Reels specifically. But land grabbing and using law enforcement to intimidate victims is a monstrous rip-off game that goes well beyond one family’s experience in North Carolina.
Watching the land stealers scheme, with cops at their beck and call, is sobering. It’s an unfair fight. But a fight it will be.
Peck’s investigation uncovers systematic racism, greed and a clear battle between good and evil. Shock, outrage, evictions and jail time are on screen in this cautionary tale. Through an exhausting cycle of trials, appeals, trials and appeals this family stands strong and their journey is inspiring.
Luckily, they had an inkling that their strength would be tested one day. Their patriarch, Elijah Reels (born in slavery in 1866, died in 1962), gave them fair warning before he died: “Whatever you do, don’t let the white man have my land.”
A matriarch’s old video footage and Peck’s prying lens tell all. Viewers see all. They hear all. The Reels’ kin share their shock, fear, anger and determination in very intimate interviews.
Their recollections include what was and what is: “It was a beautiful memory, until I became an adult and realized that some of the things that happened made me think that this is not such a pretty place anymore.”
Their resistance movement is led by family members whose determination doesn’t wane. Not over days, weeks, months and years.
Peck’s one flaw is that the footage needed more judicious editing. An 80 to 90-minute succinct doc that resonates would have been far more effective than a 100-minute one that occasionally loses momentum.
A very loving, normal family heroically sought justice. Documentary fans will want to see how they did it. Here it is.
Visit film critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com.
Comments
| So heartbreaking to learn what this family has endured. I’m praying for restoration, justice, and that what was taken from them is rightfully returned. May God bring healing to their family and bless them in ways that restore what was lost. What happened is deeply unfair, and I truly hope they are given the opportunity to reclaim what belongs to them. |
| Posted on April 18, 2026 |
| This is so sad. I'm so emotional about this documentary. The injustice of systemic racism. THIS HAVE TO STOP. I pray that the new generation will rise up and see how wrong this is |
| Posted on September 12, 2025 |
| White folks are so jealous of black that its pathetic at this point in America. They will pay God sits highnand looks low he see how dirty whites have been in this country retribution is coming |
| Posted on September 5, 2025 |
| Our family is going through the same thing in Rushmere, Isle of Wight County Virginia. My heart goes out to the REELS family. |
| Posted on January 3, 2025 |
| All I can say is, this is only one family that’s globally known of who has had land that “white people” are trying to take but this same very thing happened after the slave trade was (supposed to be abolished ,but morphed into “share cropping”. All I can say is that this is very sad and there are so many others who out of fear allowed their homes to be taken by white people. I have traveled to Africa, Central Asia and other countries and we as African Americans have been disadvantaged tremendously and honestly it’s a very sad thing to behold . When will these wrongs be made right these men did an eight year bud all because they didn’t now to give away land that was rightfully theirs smh . I’m disgusted at the US Government a bunch of crooks and cowards yes I said it . |
| Posted on October 2, 2024 |
| I absolutely can’t believe this hasn’t gone to the Supreme Court?! They are owed all the money that has been made by developers, money for being wrongly convicted, and should deemed protection and land rights for the land to remain in the the possession of their offspring. If developers want to continue their businesses they should pay the family their rightful share of that wealth as owners! Where is the legal system that should be fighting and righting this wrong!!?? |
| Posted on August 12, 2024 |
| Can someone please help these two men sue this county and the swindler investors? 8 Years in jail is outrageous. Anytime in jail is outrageous. It is unfathomable this was allowed to happen. |
| Posted on July 13, 2024 |
| This story is tragic and beautiful bc this family is so full of love and dedication to one another it’s a great lesson for all. I hope they can take action for the incarceration and gain a financial award to help them even though it won’t make up for lost time. Licurtus and Melvin are heroes for keeping sane in jail! I am looking for a go fund me page for Nate and Melvin to get them a new boat and keep the family tradition/ history alive! there are many sick evil people in all ethnicities and many awesome ones too:) we all have to help one another and get the bad guys out or at least held accountable - together! |
| Posted on March 2, 2024 |
| I haves watched Silver Dollar Road twice, Read the ProPublica article several times and even read court records dated back to the early 80’s. There is so much deception and corruption behind this story that it sickens me. These people have been taken advantage of and deceived by so-called professional attorneys, developers, etc. The more I read, the more it appears that there was a conspiracy among some people in Cateret County, eager to make some easy money, by taking land from a family who had lived and worked there since the early 20th century. I believe they found a relative (who supposedly had not lived in Carteret County for almost 30 years), used the legal loopholes and bought this land for development. What they didn’t bargain for was a strong-willed family who still -to this day - fights to keep what Elijah Reels bought for his family and future generations. I bet they didn’t expect Karma to rear its ugly head either! David Wheatly, who bought adjoining property, died in 2021 at age 72. His brother, county attorney, Claud, was terminated in January, citing several reasons for his dismissal. Shedrick Reels has since died as well. And what happened to Adams Creek properties? Do the right thing and give this 13.25 acres back to the heirs of Elijah Reels. The family who lives there were contributing to the economy of Carteret County when they could work the waters. Give them back their homes and their livelihoods. Let Gertrude Reels live out the rest of her life in peace, knowing her family and its land will remain with her family long after she’s gone. |
| Posted on February 28, 2024 |
| I just finished watching the movie and it was eye-opening and very sad and tragic. What happened to this family with their land? I’m praying that somebody can help. Stay strong stay blessed keep faith.❤️🌞😇 |
| Posted on February 27, 2024 |
| I just watched this heartbreaking family's struggle. I would love to know how the son Shedrick knew what to do to break the land up and sell it. I bet you the developer reached out to him just like they do today. Talking about it was obtained through a loophole, what loophole. His side of the family needs to come forward an tell how. These greedy people have been stealing land and people since forever. The developer knew better than to come to them directly because the answer would have bee NO. Just like the granddaughter said " money talk". Lord we need some millionaires to help this family in Jesus name. Praying all every inch of land is restored. |
| Posted on January 27, 2024 |
| I just finished watching Silvel Dollar Road and had to look it up to see if there were any updates. My heart breaks for LiCurtis and Melvin, and this family, for the stress and injustice they have been put through. I would like to contribute to the Reels family's cause. I see there is a gofundme account and will look into that. Does anyone know if there are other routes to help.support these people? |
| Posted on January 27, 2024 |
| I am a white woman living in the Pacific Northwest. With the encouragement and some support from my parents, I worked hard to obtain a college education and paid my college loans off mostly by myself. My parents also have worked hard for what they have. My father was a sawman in trailer factories and worked as a carpenter in construction. My Mom learned about electrical also while working in a trailer factory. She started out sweeping the floors. I have also worked hard for what I have, but in a different way from my parents. I have worked over 30 years in governmental accounting, putting in long hours and often working over without O/T pay because the work needed to be done. I learned alot and worked besides other hard working employees from a variety of backgrounds: white, hispanic, Russian immigrants, African Americans. There was a lot of positive team work, working side by side helping our clients who help the citizens and residents of Oregon. Regardless, I promised myself that I would acknowledge the bad and hang onto the good especially when it comes to our US American history. What has happened to the Reels family on Silver Dollar Road in NC smacks of out and out greed and corruption. I'm so sorry for what the Reels family is going through. I will be mailing you a donation coming from Salem, OR. I will also send a letter to my US Congress representatives asking if they can work with the Black Caucus in Congress to address this corruption. |
| Posted on January 25, 2024 |
| Demons reside in a people who plot day and night to steal, kill, and destroy. My prayer for the Reelsxfamily is that GOD will enact swift, terrible, harsh judgement on ALL involved in trying to destroy this family. May each and every person who took part, large or small feel the fire of GOD in their lifetime and that GOD will cause them to realize why they're enduring His Raft. Swift Judgement LORD GOD, in The Messiah JESUS/YESHUA'S name I pray. To this beautiful family, may your latter days be greater than your past, and may you be healed, made whole, and receive recompense speedily. |
| Posted on January 24, 2024 |
| If the original owner of the land lost the property due to unpaid taxes, Shadey Reels had absolutely no right to the land. Ms. Gertrude’s parents were sole owners. From what I gathered, this was all proven in court and proper documentation was provided. The court appeasing the white owner (William Dean Brown) of Adams Creek Associates by gifting the land to them and incarcerating two innocent men, opposed to holding Shedrick the shady uncle accountable and placing him in jail for fraud really behooves me. What I also don’t understand is why the Reels brothers (Marvin and LiCurtis) have not sued the state of North Carolina for false imprisonment and included Adams Creeks Associates in that suit for pain and suffering, lost wages, and defamation. Would this not secure enough money to possibly buy the property back or could they not sue for ownership of the property? 8+ years incarceration for each brother has to result in a multimillion dollar settlement. The property looks dilapidated. At this point, it seems Adams Creek has no intention on doing anything with the property. They’re either holding on to it to antagonize the Reels Family or secretly concocting a plan to steal the rest of their land. Someone needs to pay for Marvin’s boat as well. I am livid! |
| Posted on January 24, 2024 |
| Question, if the owner had 11 kids and split the land fairly how on earth did the son get to sell 13 plus acres of land and who got to decide where is land was located on the 65 acres. I'm in shock that these men stayed in jail for almost eight years for “trespassing” , incredibly SAD for them not sure how the justice system found this OKAY. I hope and pray this family gets the justice they deserve. |
| Posted on January 12, 2024 |
| Why we can’t have anything white people always want to take it I hope they keep their land and he stays in their family for generations that’s what happened to them it’s not fair |
| Posted on January 1, 2024 |
| Why do you have higher courts, this should have gone to the Supreme Court. I pray it get there and I pray the judge is no longer a judge. |
| Posted on December 26, 2023 |
| What an incredible travesty of justice for the Reels brothers and a sad commentary for North Carolina. Upsetting yes. Surprising no. It isn’t the first time that North Carolina has done something like this. |
| Posted on December 25, 2023 |
| I'm sickened by the story and by the stereotyping of ALL white people as evil. Here I am.. an evil old white lady contributing to this family because it is clear that they should maintain control of their land. I pray for a day when we will ALL stop characterizing people based on the color of their skin. |
| Posted on December 20, 2023 |
| If I not mistaken, didn’t a family member, Shedrick, perfect his ownership legally? The white developers merely bought from the legal owner. Sounds like Shedrick was the scoundrel! |
| Posted on December 17, 2023 |
| This is the Most Disgusting travesty Ive ever seen in my life!! Racism and Greed is always the force used against the black race!! The NC judicial system, the greedy, thieves attorneys that took the family's money and DID NOTHING and Adams Creek, should ALL be jailed!! There is a God in heaven and surely his justice is coming soon!! Reels family, I'm praying for you All!! |
| Posted on December 3, 2023 |
| Lord let this story have the deserving outcome. 🙏🏽🙏🏽 |
| Posted on November 26, 2023 |
| This is a classic and repeated event of white ppl stealing black ppl property. Someone ask about the Reels having a deed , well they didn’t need to produce their deed, wills etc. The white ppl MADE A FALSE DEED to secure THEIR land. What sickens me is the treasurer offices theyALLOW IT to take place. Criminals charges need to be brought against whoever produced the false deed and all that was involved. And the courts, judges and all officials need to be charged. This could’ve simply been handled like the attorney in the documentary said. Serve the proper paperwork if Creek Assoc thought they had right to acquire the land. We’re in 2023 and the lying, stealing and trying to kill if they don’t kill black ppl and their communities need to STOP. Ask yourself how many cases do you see that black ppl are doing this to white ppl I’ll wait. Because you don’t WE don’t have to WE OWN the entire lands in the USA. They know it so they only know to do what lMs. Reel said in the documentary LIE, STEAL, and KIL to get what they WANT. I hope the right criminals charges are brought against them and a lawsuit for improper imprisonment on Lecurtis and Melvin almost 8 yrs in jail for trespassing on their property THERES NO SUCH LAW. Oops wait they make shit up as they go along forgot that part. The hell they hoped those men would rot in is waiting for their wicked asses. And Period |
| Posted on November 22, 2023 |
| I have only seen the previews...do they LEGALLY own the land out right deed in hand as proof? If so how can anyone put a claim on the land....what am I missing here? |
| Posted on November 21, 2023 |
| Where are your Activist and famous People of Influence in a time like this? This is when we need Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, , TD Jake's, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, LeBron James, etc. This is the time we need people with Influence AND money. Because in 2023... THIS SHOULD NOT BE STILL HAPPENING!! Just sad |
| Posted on November 20, 2023 |
| Fight for your Black History & Ancestors Bloodline. Keep the truth alive Black Slavery exists deep in America. Keep the truth alive. Big respect to Viola Davis! & those in the struggles this shit is real stay woke AF!! Strength & Blessings to the Silver Dollar Familys. |
| Posted on November 18, 2023 |
| I to watch the Documentary and was appalled at how they took their land and cut the power to their houses and and kept them in jail for so long I am praying and hoping they get their land back. What a injustice |
| Posted on November 17, 2023 |
| OMG I AM SO HURT .THE WHITE PEOPLE HAS BEEN DIRTY ALL OUR LIFE'S!!! YOU DIRTY DOGS WILL PAY |
| Posted on November 16, 2023 |
| Hey I found a gofundme page for them: https://www.gofundme.com/f/silver-dollar-road-legal-fees-donation-fund |
| Posted on November 14, 2023 |
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