In the decades following the Civil War, Black people from across the state settled in Durham.
The working poor of Black Durham faced some of the worst housing and neighborhood conditions in the city.
Despite run down housing, working-class Black neighborhoods were close-knit communities and spaces of refuge from the indignities of Jim Crow.
Black Durham Neighborhoods, 1937
Which neighborhoods are closer to incinerators and factories? Which have more parks and schools?
Map data sources: Hill’s 1937 City Directory, Durham Public Works Department 1937 city map, and Open Durham
“Looking back, I can see that we had a real sense of security. We had so many people watching out for us … You were known, your family was known … No matter if I didn’t have a lot of money, I could still bring my kids up and not give up.”
– Emma Johnson (pseudonym), co-author of Bull City Survivor
In the decades following the Civil War, Black people from across the state settled in Durham.
- The working poor of Black Durham faced some of the worst housing and neighborhood conditions in the city.
- Despite run down housing, working-class Black neighborhoods were close-knit communities and spaces of refuge from the indignities of Jim Crow.
Black Durham Neighborhoods, 1937
“Looking back, I can see that we had a real sense of security. We had so many people watching out for us … You were known, your family was known … No matter if I didn’t have a lot of money, I could still bring my kids up and not give up.”
– Emma Johnson (pseudonym), co-author of Bull City Survivor