Durham was the site of many historic events and home to many notable historic figures, but it's an especially rich site for African-American history, earning national praise from W. E. B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington as a city of black enterprise and innovative black leaders. That legacy has grown as generations of African Americans continue to make their mark on Durham, and beyond.
This website is a companion to the African-American Heritage Guide, which introduces the essential details of Durham's role in black history and the role of African Americans in Durham's history. Here, you can explore additional aspects of Durham's black heritage, including information about related events, contemporary African Americans, and more.
Get a brief introduction to the people, places, and events that shaped the experiences of African Americans in Durham. More
The calendar is always full in Durham, and this list highlights just a few annual summer events that celebrate black heritage and culture. More
Explore Durham's black history and African-American culture with these feature articles, including historic photos, information about things to do, and profiles of famous Durhamites. Read More
Bennett Place is the site of the largest troop surrender and the effective end of the Civil War. It was in April 1865 that Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston and his Union adversary, General …
Duke is one of the most prestigious universities in the country, consistently included near the top of the U.S. News & World Reports' college rankings. Many of their programs are highly regarded, …
Once one of the largest plantations in the South, with 900 slaves and almost 30,000 acres of land, Stagville is a preserved piece of history. Featuring an 18th-century house, a 19th-century house, …
Located in the historic Hayti neighborhood on the eastern side of Durham, NCCU is home to an art museum, biomanufacturing and biomedical research institutes, an award-winning marching band, and …
NCCU was the first publically funded African-American liberal arts college in the country, and the school continues that legacy today with one of the state’s leading collections of art that engages …
St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation (SJHF) is a non-profit organization that manages the Hayti Heritage Center. SJHF is dedicated to preserving Durham's African-American heritage and the impact of the …
This digital guide helps you explore African-American contributions to Durham through historic sites, exhibits, and tours. View Guide