Durham, North Carolina has a rich history deeply intertwined with the African American experience. Durham was known as the "Black Wall Street" due to its thriving African American business community in the early 20th century.

One of the most notable aspects of Durham's Black history is the entrepreneurial spirit of its African American residents. The city was home to successful black-owned businesses, including banks, insurance companies, and newspapers. One of the most famous institutions in Durham's Black business community was the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, the largest African American-owned insurance company in the United States at the time.

Durham was also the site of significant civil rights activism. In the 1950s and 1960s, African American students and community leaders organized sit-ins, marches, and protests to combat segregation and racial discrimination in the city. One of the most well-known activists from Durham is civil rights leader and educator, Dr. Pauli Murray.

Additionally, Durham has a strong tradition of Black cultural and artistic expression. The city was home to influential musicians, artists, and writers who contributed to the shaping of African American culture. The Hayti Heritage Center, located in Durham's historic African American neighborhood of Hayti, celebrates and preserves the cultural heritage of African Americans in the area.

Overall, Durham, NC has played a significant role in Black history, serving as a hub of African American entrepreneurship, activism, and cultural expression.