Beechwood Cemetery
3300 Fayetteville St
Durham, NC 27707
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Black History
The history of African Americans in Durham is as integral to our story as the mortar and brick that built the Bull City.
Grit, fortitude and the unapologetic pursuit of justice are lasting legacies of a community that influenced the progress of Americans toward equality from coast to coast.
From the over 900 people who were enslaved at Stagville (one of the region’s largest plantations in the 1800s) to the post-Civil War development of Black Wall Street and Hayti (a thriving business and residential district that received national acclaim) — Durham’s African American community is and has been indescribable in its impact.
In 1889, John Merrick founded North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, the largest and oldest African American-owned life insurance company in the nation. In 1907, Mechanics & Farmers Bank also became one of the nation’s strongest African American owned and managed banks. As a result, thriving businesses took root on Durham’s Parrish Street; a landmark that still stands as an iconic epicenter of entrepreneurial genius now called Black Wall Street.
In 1909, progress pressed forward with the founding of Dr. James E. Shepard's National Religious Training School and Chautauqua, which later became North Carolina Central University.
In response to segregation and Jim Crow laws, African-American Durhamites made strides as leaders of the civil rights movement. Durham’s Rev. Douglas Moore organized one of the first sit-ins in the nation at Durham’s Royal Ice Cream Parlor. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Durham five times in support of Durham’s civil rights leaders and delivered his famed "fill up the jails" speech at White Rock Baptist Church.
In the decades following the civil rights movement, African-Americans have made their mark on Durham as entrepreneurs, artists, educators, politicians, and engaged citizens. In addition to paving new opportunities and possibilities, they continue the legacy of the people and places that are a permanent part of Durham's heritage.
in this section

Durham’s Story The history of African Americans in Durham County, like that of African Americans throughout the United States, is a harrowing, resilient one. Learn More

Upcoming Events If delving into African American history and this community’s present-day accomplishments is what you’re interested in, you’ve come to the right place. Learn More

African American Heritage Guide Home to North Carolina Central and Duke Universities, and Research Triangle Park, Durham has always been one of North Carolina’s most ethnically diverse communities. Learn More

Black History Resources Durham’s history reflects the indispensable contributions of its African American citizens. Learn More
the durham way


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Bennett Place
4409 Bennett Memorial Rd
Durham, NC 27705
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Black Wall Street / Historic Parrish Street
Parrish St
Durham, NC 27701
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Black Wall Street / Historic Parrish Street
Parrish St
Durham, NC 27701
Durham Hosiery Mill Apartments
804 Angier Ave
Durham, NC 27701
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Hayti Heritage Center
804 Old Fayetteville St
Durham, NC 27701
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James E. Shepard Memorial Library
1801 Fayetteville St
Durham, NC 27707
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James E. Shepard Memorial Library
1801 Fayetteville St
Durham, NC 27707
Phone:
(919) 530-7310
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John Hope Franklin Center
2204 Erwin Rd
Durham, NC 27705
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M&F Bank
2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd
Durham, NC 27707
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NCCU Art Museum
1801 Fayetteville St
Durham, NC 27707
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"Pauli Murray and the Virgen de Guadalupe" mural by Brett Cook
300 N Roxboro St
Durham, NC 27701
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"Pauli Murray and the Virgen de Guadalupe" mural by Brett Cook
300 N Roxboro St
Durham, NC 27701
"Pauli Murray and True Community" mural by Brett Cook
300 N Roxboro St
Durham, NC 27701
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"Pauli Murray and True Community" mural by Brett Cook
300 N Roxboro St
Durham, NC 27701
Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice
906 Carroll St
Durham, NC 27701
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Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice
906 Carroll St
Durham, NC 27701
Phone:
(919) 796-1728
Website