Tulsa wasn't the only city with a Black Wall Street. Durham, North Carolina was not only known as Black Wall Street, it was also the capital of the Black middle class.
Durham's long, complicated, and rich history dates back to before the Civil War. Home to some of the largest plantations in the South, the Black population in Durham was massive and brought with it an abundance of culture, faith, and social customs.
The Reconstruction Era saw a boom of Black institutions of higher learning and businesses in the Durham area. The rise of life insurance companies as well as Black banks made it Black Wall Street.
Though red lining and other political issues have always been a factor, Durham fought for Black rights with affordable education and housing. Civil rights activism and surviving red lining have made Durham what it is today.
Durham boasts one of the most diverse populations in the country. It isn't called the Bull city for nothing. We built a thriving community where housing is affordable, education is open and varied, and we live comfortably. Wouldn’t it be nice to see that everywhere else in this country?