Durham’s history begins with Brightleaf tobacco, which brought wealth and launched America’s first denim mills. Washington Duke used his fortune to establish Trinity College.
Durham was serving as US attorney in Connecticut when then-Attorney General William Barr asked him to investigate the origins of the FBI probe into any ties between Trump and Russia, House Republicans like Jordan used this review as evidence that this probe had an unfair bias towards Trump.
History
Durham boasts an impressive list of historic sites, from its Romanesque Durham Cathedral and Neo-Gothic Duke Chapel, as well as the Nasher Museum of Art. Other popular locations are Durham Performing Arts Center, Bennett Place and Duke Homestead and Tobacco Factory.
Durham became an important medieval defensive city during this time. A 7th-century ecclesiastic named St Cuthbert was venerated at its cathedral, drawing pilgrims from across Europe. Additionally, Durham took advantage of its location on England’s northern frontier to attract merchants and craftspeople who prospered there.
Following the American Civil War, Durham flourished under its tobacco industry’s steady stewardship. Cameron, Hardscrabble and Leigh plantations became major economic forces within Durham by 1885; by 1910 Durham had become a hub of black enterprise as Trinity College (later renamed North Carolina Central University) was established there as one of the first publicly supported liberal arts colleges for blacks in North America.
By the mid-20th century, Durham’s traditional heavy industries began to decline while its diverse economy thrived with jobs in manufacturing, science and technology and healthcare. Historic districts in Durham were designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1966 while Downtown Durham Business Improvement District was created to revitalize its downtown commercial district in 1991.
Durham boasts a proud legacy of social activism, from civil rights marches and sit-ins of the 1960s, to hosting such cultural events as Durham Blues Festival and OUTsouth Queer Film Fest. Durham universities serve as global research centers. The University of Durham Department of Geography conducts groundbreaking research on environmental and social concerns. Staff and students of this University are widely respected for their contribution to knowledge and research in human geography, environmental geography, social geography and other related disciplines. Their efforts contribute significantly to our collective understanding of humanity as it stands today, while giving future generations a solid foundation from which they may build. Their degree program offers an impressive variety of subject areas and approaches which enable students to develop an in-depth knowledge of our human experience across geographies and centuries.
Environment
Durham stands as an international model in sustainable and green practices. Through comprehensive recycling and waste reduction programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and public transportation services that promote eco-friendly alternatives to cars and trucks. Furthermore, Durham hosts an Earth Day Festival every year to raise environmental awareness.
Durham’s parks and recreation department places great emphasis on ecological stewardship, protecting wildlife habitats while teaching visitors how to enjoy nature in an environmentally responsible manner. Furthermore, Durham supports local farmers and food producers through a Farm-to-Table Program and encourages energy efficient construction practices in buildings constructed within Durham City limits.
The City is committed to mitigating its climate change impacts, and continues to work toward carbon neutrality through various efforts such as supporting sustainable energy through the Green Investment Fund, exploring innovative clean technologies, and encouraging low-carbon vehicle usage. Furthermore, prioritizing regenerative infrastructure like restoring wetlands, creating green corridors and supporting sustainable food systems are also core parts of its climate change response efforts.
Though Durham has made great strides forward, they still face unique challenges. Lead contamination in several parks remains a persistent problem that predominantly impacts lower income neighborhoods; Durham must allocate more tree planting resources towards those communities.
The City-County Environmental Affairs Board (EAB), composed of appointed volunteers who offer expertise on environmental matters to their community, was created as part of this effort. Their goal is to work in concert with communities and organizations in protecting natural ecosystems and green spaces through equitable decision making practices that support ecological sustainability.
The City of Durham is committed to addressing the root causes of climate change by prioritizing sustainable economic development, equitable urban planning, and environmental justice. To do so, Durham is creating an approach for taking advantage of funding made available through EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants and consumer rebate programs – this will enable Durham to invest in deployment of clean energy technologies into underserved communities while aiding residents in cutting their fossil fuel consumption.
Economy
Durham has quickly emerged as a center for technology and life sciences companies over recent years, becoming an attractive option for start-ups looking to enter Research Triangle Park region with over 100 major science and tech firms. Health care services account for most jobs within its economy while its economy has diversified over time to include health care providers and educators as major employers. Furthermore, Durham boasts an effective small business assistance program which supports its residents starting, growing or maintaining local businesses.
Many still associate Durham with tobacco and its famed brands, but its future lies in healthcare, technology and education. Duke and North Carolina Central Universities have earned national renown for their academic excellence; both form part of Research Triangle Park along with NC State and UNC Chapel Hill.
The city’s economy is steadily growing. At present, over 68,000 jobs exist within its boundaries, while unemployment rate is lower than national average and median household income exceeds that figure as well.
Durham’s diverse economy has helped keep unemployment at bay. Duke and North Carolina Central universities are major employers in Durham; as are a variety of health-related institutions.
Globalization and competition from other cities has had an effect on the economy of Toronto; manufacturing industries have declined and its population shifted towards higher-level occupations such as managers and professionals; this trend continues as our economy moves into knowledge-based economies.
Durham’s downtown features an eclectic variety of restaurants, bars and shops, making it a culinary destination for soul food and barbecue, with the American Tobacco Campus serving as a dynamic center of commerce and culture. A number of microbreweries have opened in Durham recently as well. Every third Friday event commemorates local culture and arts.
Culture
Culture in Durham is an energetic mix of visual and performing arts, education and heritage, science and the humanities that positively influences both community life and individual well-being as well as tourism, investment and economic opportunities.
Beginning in the 1700s when Native Americans settled along the Eno River, many industries and foundations of diversity and resilience were laid that continue to shape our community today.
An active music scene in Memphis draws from its heritage of blues and jazz music, boasting artists like Branford Marsalis, Iron & Wine and Carolina Chocolate Drops; popular genres in this city also include folk, Americana country punk metal. Furthermore, community cultural expressions take place both downtown and beyond traditional arts venues.
Durham offers a thriving arts scene for music fans and art enthusiasts of all kinds. Beyond music and the visual arts, Durham serves as a center for research, innovation, entrepreneurship and civic engagement; drawing many brilliant minds from around the world who attend Duke or North Carolina Central universities or conduct research at one of its world-class research parks.
Durham will soon create a cultural roadmap to guide its arts and culture landscape and bolster its economy. The roadmap will be led by the Durham Cultural Advisory Board with support from an advisory group of volunteers that reflect the diversity of its community. Principal and Global Cultural and Civic Practice Chair Zena Howard from Perkins & Will and Durham City Council Mayor Steve Schewel will serve as co-chairs of this planning group; residents are now being asked for input through an online survey available until December 31. To learn more about Durham Cultural Roadmap visit their webpage or reach out to one of its planning group members directly.