Community partnerships and campus-wide celebrations spotlight Black excellence
The James E. Shepard Memorial Library at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), in collaboration with Hayti Promise Community Development Corporation and Preservation Durham, is launching Black History Month by elevating the stories of Black architects, builders and craftsmen who helped shape North Carolina’s historic landscape through the traveling exhibit, “We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina.” The free exhibit will be on display from Sunday, Feb. 1, through March 31, in the James E. Shepard Memorial Library, located at 209 Eagle Campus Dr.
An opening ceremony for the exhibit will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m., on the library’s first floor.
Produced by Preservation North Carolina, and appearing in Durham for the first time, “We Built This” highlights African Americans who designed and constructed many of the state’s most treasured historic sites. Spanning more than three centuries, the exhibit features more than two dozen personal profiles and explores pivotal eras and themes, including slavery and Reconstruction; the founding of historically Black colleges and universities and Black churches; Jim Crow and segregation; and the rise of Black civic leaders, politicians and professionals.
"The NCCU James E. Shepard Memorial Library is proud to host the “We Built This” exhibition, a virtual encyclopedia of African American architects and builders whose work has shaped North Carolina’s towns, churches, businesses, HBCU campuses and neighborhoods for generations," said André Vann, university archivist and public history instructor. “Through the design and construction of both public and private spaces, the exhibit honors their skill, creativity and lasting impact.”
Among the notable figures featured is W. Edward (Willie) Jenkins, who designed NCCU’s LeRoy T. Walker Physical Education and Recreation Complex, Albert L. Turner Law Building, and, in 1977, the contemporary White Rock Baptist Church. The exhibit also highlights master furniture maker Thomas Day — the grandfather of Annie Day Shepard, wife of Dr. James E. Shepard — as well as architect Phil Freelon, who served as architect of record for the stabilization of the Shepard House and as lead designer of the Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise Building and the annex to the B.N. Duke Auditorium.
“The ‘We Built This’ exhibit holds special significance for the work of Hayti Promise Community Development Corporation,” said Hayti Promise CDC Board Chair Cheryl Brown. “By recognizing the profound impact of the craftsmen, professionals, and civic leaders featured in this exhibit—including entrepreneur and skilled craftsperson John Merrick and internationally renowned architect Phil Freelon—we are reminded of what made the Hayti District vibrant and successful. Their work shows how our buildings and surroundings, many of which we continue to cherish, are tangible links to our past. Hayti Promise, working with our partners at NCCU and Preservation Durham, is committed to honoring this legacy and building upon Fayetteville Street's rich history as an essential part of Durham’s vibrant future.”
Julianne Patterson, executive director of Preservation Durham, emphasized the exhibit’s role in broadening how historic preservation is understood.
“‘We Built This” underscores the importance of historic preservation while helping to dismantle the idea that preservation is exclusive. When the full story is told, preservation creates space for everyone to see themselves reflected in our shared history. Preservation Durham is committed to protecting Durham’s historic sites and stories, and we welcome opportunities like this exhibit to engage in honest conversations about our complex past and recognize the value of its many layers.”
Exhibit hours are:
- Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Group tours are welcome by appointment. Contact Andre’ Vann, coordinator of university archives, at 919-530-6254, [email protected].
Public parking is available in the Latham Parking Deck, 705 E. Lawson St., for $1.50 per hour.
For more information about the exhibit, visit www.presnc.org/experience/we-built-this/; or contact Danielle Colbert-Lewis, Ed.D., NCCU assistant director of library services at [email protected] or 919-530-7546, or Julianne Patterson at [email protected] or 919-682-3036.
More Ways NCCU is Celebrating Black History Month
The university will host additional events to commemorate Black History Month, including:
Monday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m.
Black-Owned Business Showcase
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) at the NCCU School of Business presents a pop-up experience highlighting student entrepreneurs and local Black-owned businesses. This initiative integrates cultural context and career development while connecting to Durham’s historical economic legacy, including Black Wall Street and the Hayti District.
Location: NCCU School of Business, First Floor Lobby, 829 E. Lawson St., Durham, FREE
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hidden Hospitality: The Black Legacy of Hotel Ownership
NAACP Image Award–winning author Calvin Stovall hosts an engaging conversation and book signing to explore the untold history, entrepreneurship, and legacy of Black hotel, motel and resort owners from the pioneer days through the Civil Rights era.
Location: NCCU School of Business, 829 E. Lawson St., Durham, FREE
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2 – 3 p.m.
Faith in God and Heart and Mind: The Legacy of Omega Psi Phi and Carter G. Woodson
Jim C. Harper II, Ph.D., interim associate provost and dean of the NCCU School of Graduate Studies, leads an insightful discussion exploring the history of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., as detailed in “With Faith in God and Heart and Mind.” The presentation highlights the fraternity's enduring principles and its significant historical relationship with Carter G. Woodson, illustrating the vital role of Black fraternal organizations in advancing African American history and intellectual leadership.
Location: Edmonds Classroom Building, Room 207, 113 Eagle Campus Dr., Durham, FREE
Thursday, Feb. 26 – Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. show; Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m. show
NCCU Theatre presents: “Steal Away Home”
Experience this compelling production, exploring themes of heritage, resilience and community.
Location: NCCU University Theatre, 1707 Fayetteville St., Durham, Purchase tickets here.
Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Merrick-Moore Oral History Project Dedication
In partnership with the Merrick-Moore Community Development Corporation, this dedication ceremony preserves the stories of local residents through a panel discussion and a guided tour of the Merrick-Moore Community Garden. The event features University Archivist and Public History Instructor Andre’ Vann.
Location: Mt. Zoar Baptist Church, 2423 Cheek Rd., Durham, FREE
For a full list of events, visit nccu.edu/events.