Durham Murals Celebrating Black History And Culture

In Durham, any blank space can become a canvas, and it is common to see murals on walls, crosswalks, and electrical boxes. Not only do these murals add vibrant colors and energy to this city, but they also tell stories that need to be told. This guide highlights public art dedicated to celebrating Durham’s Black history, culture, and artists.

Durham Civil Rights Mural

In 2013, 30 members of Durham’s community came together to create the first official public art project in the city of Durham. Led by artist Brenda Miller Holmes and Dr. Benjamin Speller of NCCU, the Durham Civil Rights mural is a celebration of Durham’s African American and Civil Rights history. You can find the mural outside of Durham Arts Council.

“Baba Chuck” By the Durham Mural Crew

“Baba Chuck” Davis was one of the pioneers of traditional African dance in America. He traveled throughout Africa to study with many leading artists. In 1983, Davis returned to his native NC and founded the African American Dance Ensemble in Durham. He loved Durham, and he promoted peace, love, and respect for everyone. You could often see him around town in colorful West African clothing. You can find this work by the Durham Mural Crew on the corner of Main St. and Corcoran.

Hayti Reborn By Emily Weinstein

A Hayti mural that was originally in Heritage Square Shopping Center has received new life at the Hayti Heritage Center. The 1999 mural had fallen into disrepair and community members were heartbroken to see it fade away. Fortunately, Emily Weinstein was able to remake her original work so it can continue to be enjoyed by community members. The mural calls back to Hayti's earlier days, commemorating the legacy of this historic community. You can find the recreation of the mural stretching across a wall on the second floor of the Hayti Heritage Center.

Pauli Murray By Brett Cook

Between 2007 and 2009, artist Brett Cook led the Face Up: Telling Stories of Community Life collaborative public art project which included five murals of iconic Durhamite Pauli Murray. Murray was a pioneer of the American Civil Rights movement, and a lawyer, Black activist, feminist, poet and priest. She spent many of her formative years in Durham, and you can still visit the house she grew up in which has been reimagined and opened as the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice. She is the subject of the documentary called “My Name is Pauli Murray” which is produced by the same women behind the critically acclaimed “RBG.” You can find this mural along Foster St. in downtown Durham.

Acrylic Panels at the Stanford L. Warren Branch Library By Gabriel Eng-Goetz

Visit Hayti's Stanford L. Warren Branch of the Durham Library to see this beautiful installation by artist Gabriel Eng-Goetz. Made from acrylic panels, this piece of public art resembles stained glass with its own unique personality. The Durham native based the design off of a piece of Durham history, Fitzgerald brick. RB Fitzgerald, Pauli Murray's great-uncle, owned a lucrative brick making business with his brother. Fitzgerald bricks were, and still are, easily recognized by the concentric circle design stamped on every piece.

Watch Gabriel install this piece in the video below.

Phil Freelon By Candy Carver

Artist Candy Carver depicts Phil Freelon, an architect who is best known for his work on the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Some of his other contributions to Durham’s architectural landscape include the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the Durham County Public Health building, the GoDurham station, and many more. Freelon passed away in 2019, but his legacy will live forever. You can find this mural at UHILL Walls.

Little Brother By Darius Quarles

Artist Darius Quarles created this mural of the Little Brother trio, Phonte Coleman, Rapper Big Pooh, and Patrick Douthit. The trio met in the ’90s as students at NCCU. Though their music is not as mainstream as other artists in the genre, they are widely respected in the hip hop community. The group split in 2007, but reunited in Durham at the 2018 Art of Cool Festival. And a year later, Phonte and Big Pooh released their fifth studio album “May the Lord Watch.” In 2024, the group reunited again in Durham at the Little Brother Block Party celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, "The Listening." You can find this mural at UHILL Walls.

Betty Davis By Scott Nurkin

Scott Nurkin, an artist and mural painter from Chapel Hill, NC, created this depiction of Betty Davis at UHILL Walls. Born Betty Mabry in Durham, NC, Betty Davis was a pioneer of American soul and funk music. Because of her unapologetically sexual attitude, she was barred from performing on television and many radio stations refused to play her music. Now, she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves. Her current surname is from her brief marriage to legendary jazz musician Miles Davis.

J. Cole By JEKS ONE

Known as one of the best muralists in North Carolina, JEKS ONE painted this stunning work of J. Cole, American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. J. Cole grew up in Fayetteville, the artist is from Greensboro, and the mural is in Durham — a true Carolina collaboration. You can find this mural at UHILL Walls.

Durham Blues Legends By Cameron Kramer

Created as a salute to Durham’s rich blues history, the mural by Cameron Kramer features Blind Boy Fuller (left) and Reverend Blind Gary Harris (right.) John Dee Holeman, a Blues legend, stands in the middle with his portrait. You can find this mural outside of The Blue Note Grill.

Need more information about Durham's murals? Stop by the Visitor Info Center and pick up our Public Art & Inspiration Guide.