View source for Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People

== History and Formation ==

The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, often referred to simply as the Durham Committee, was established in 1935 in [[Durham, North Carolina]]. This organization emerged during a period of significant racial tension and economic disparity in the United States, particularly in the South. The Committee was founded by a group of prominent African American leaders, including Dr. James E. Shepard, founder of [[North Carolina Central University]], and C.C. Spaulding, president of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. Their primary aim was to address and advocate for the social, economic, and political rights of African Americans in Durham and beyond.

The Committee was initially formed in response to the need for a unified voice to represent the interests of the Black community in Durham. At the time, Durham was a burgeoning center for African American business and culture, often referred to as the "Black Wall Street" due to its thriving Black-owned businesses and financial institutions. The Committee sought to leverage this economic power to effect social change and improve the living conditions of Black residents.

== Objectives and Activities ==

The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People focused on several key areas: education, employment, housing, and political representation. One of its primary objectives was to improve educational opportunities for African Americans. The Committee worked tirelessly to ensure that Black schools received adequate funding and resources, advocating for equal pay for Black teachers and the construction of new school facilities.

In the realm of employment, the Committee sought to increase job opportunities for African Americans and eliminate discriminatory hiring practices. They collaborated with local businesses and industries to promote fair employment practices and worked to ensure that African Americans had access to vocational training and higher education.

Housing was another critical area of focus. The Committee advocated for the elimination of discriminatory housing policies and practices, such as redlining, which restricted African Americans' access to quality housing. They pushed for the development of affordable housing projects and worked to improve living conditions in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Politically, the Committee was instrumental in increasing African American voter registration and participation. They organized voter registration drives and worked to educate the community about the importance of political engagement. The Committee also endorsed candidates who supported civil rights and worked to hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

== Impact and Legacy ==

The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement in North Carolina. Their efforts contributed to significant improvements in the quality of life for African Americans in Durham and set a precedent for similar organizations across the country. The Committee's work in education, employment, housing, and political representation laid the groundwork for future civil rights advancements.

One of the Committee's most notable achievements was its role in the desegregation of Durham's public schools. Through persistent advocacy and legal action, the Committee helped to dismantle the dual school system, paving the way for integrated education in the city.

The Committee also played a key role in the election of African American officials in Durham. Their efforts to increase voter registration and political engagement led to the election of the city's first Black mayor, Howard Lee, in 1969. This was a significant milestone in the fight for political representation and empowerment for African Americans in Durham.

== Challenges and Criticisms ==

Despite its many successes, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People faced numerous challenges and criticisms. Some members of the community felt that the Committee was too focused on working within the existing political and economic systems, rather than advocating for more radical change. Others criticized the Committee for being too elitist, arguing that it primarily represented the interests of the Black middle and upper classes, rather than the broader African American community.

The Committee also faced opposition from those who resisted efforts to dismantle segregation and promote racial equality. They encountered significant pushback from local government officials and business leaders who were invested in maintaining the status quo.

== Current Activities and Relevance ==

Today, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People continues to be an influential force in the community. While the challenges facing African Americans have evolved, the Committee remains committed to advocating for social, economic, and political justice. They continue to focus on issues such as education reform, economic development, and criminal justice reform.

The Committee also plays a vital role in fostering dialogue and collaboration between different segments of the community. They work to build coalitions with other organizations and community groups to address the complex and interconnected issues facing African Americans in Durham.

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== See Also ==

* [[Civil Rights Movement]]
* [[African American History]]
* [[North Carolina Central University]]

[[Category:African American organizations]]
[[Category:Durham, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Civil rights organizations in the United States]]