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Durham Woman Empowers Teens to Shape their own Futures

By Courtney Fisher

February 28, 2024

In East Durham, Destiny Alexander is giving teens the power to shape their own futures through the POOF Center. Standing for “Planning Our Own Futures/Funerals,” the center gives teens resources like financial knowledge, business experience, and travel to help prepare them for success in the real world.

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A Writer’s Reflection on the Durham Voice: Semester of Growth

By Carl Kenney

December 12, 2023

This semester, I grew as a storyteller by serving as a student writer for The Durham Voice. Some of the stories I wrote covered important issues in Durham such as environmentalism, politics, and affordable housing. As a Raleigh native, I wasn’t too familiar with the Durham political landscape. From what I’ve learned, Durham’s rich, multi-cultural […]

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What’s to become of Durham’s homeless population during Hurricane Florence?

By Carl Kenney

September 12, 2018

  The impending threat of a Category 4 hurricane barreling towards Durham creates chaos in the community.  Preparing for the worst, individuals and families stock-up on nonperishable food items and water, wait in excessively long lines at gas pumps, ensure the structural soundness and safety of their homes and belongings, and contemplate evacuation. But for […]

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Miss NC contestants talk Durham ties, pageant stereotypes

By Carl Kenney

April 11, 2018

Obtaining the job of Miss North Carolina is no easy task, but Savannah Culbreth and Maya Bryant believe they are up for the challenge. Once a year, 49 women gather in Greensboro to prepare themselves for the annual Miss North Carolina competition in June. For Culbreth, Miss Durham 2018, this is her first year competing […]

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After-school program helps kids at Shepherd’s House Church

By Carl Kenney

February 21, 2014

Dozens of children in eastern Durham head to Shepherd’s House Church, 107 N. Driver St.,  twice a week to learn about science, nutrition, and more. The church’s program meets for two hours every Tuesday and Thursday. “We have changed our focus,” said the Reverend Amanda Wilson, the program’s director. “We not only focus on homework, […]

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Northern High Spanish Honors Society tutors elementary students

By Carl Kenney

February 14, 2014

Being able to share a bond with others who enjoy speaking Spanish is a privilege. It is also nice to have the honor completing senior year with cords at graduation. The requirements for National Spanish Honor Society are a 3.0 GPA or higher in Spanish I and II and being able to attend all the […]

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Finding black history in the backyard

By Carl Kenney

February 10, 2014

Here is part of my typical, highly scientific February checklist. Watch the Super Bowl, or at least some ACC basketball, with sticky, saucy hands. Check. Pick up some fancy chocolates and a fluffy bear for my Valentine’s Day. Check. Brushing up on local African-American history? That’s a lot easier than one might think. Every town […]

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Jerry Stackhouse films a commercial at Hillside

By Carl Kenney

February 8, 2014

Former UNC student and professional basketball player Jerry Stackhouse visited Hillside to film a commercial for the Carolina College Advising Corps last month. The Carolina College Advising Corps is a program designed to help schools with a high population of low-income minority students who usually don’t go to college.   There are at least 31 college […]

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Boys and Girls Club going high tech

By Carl Kenney

  Hundreds of children are learning how to navigate Microsoft and research homework online, thanks to the “Club Tech” after-school program at the John Avery Boys and Girls Club in Durham. “This is tremendous in that many kids that we see still don’t have computers at home, or computers that are connected to the internet,” […]

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Angier Driver Streetscape on the move

By Carl Kenney

  When driving down Angier Avenue and Driver Street in Durham you will see construction signs and “road closed” — signs that indicate a $3.5 million street renovation project is underway. The city’s project will repave streets, as well as add benches, sidewalks and crosswalks. The project will also include handicapped accessible ramps. Construction started […]

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Faith Summit still helps fight child poverty a year later

By Carl Kenney

February 5, 2014

A year after the Faith Summit on Child Poverty, leaders reflect on what happened in 2013 and what is planned for 2014. The summit in January 2013 drew more than double the people it was expected to, with almost 500 people registering for the program. Last year­, two organizations – End Poverty Durham and Durham’s […]

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Durham Tech food pantry feeds hundreds

By Carl Kenney

What began as a small community garden, has grown to provide food for hundreds of students at Durham Technical Community College. The Campus Harvest Food pantry, modeled after similar programs at other universities, was long in the works before it opened in January 2013. The main goal of the pantry aimed to get students out […]

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Watchful eyes key to crime prevention

By Carl Kenney

When Evit Blackmon, 39, moved to Durham with his wife Yolanda in 2008, he did not expect to take the reins of the neighborhood watch in his community. But two years ago, after a breaking and entering incident occurred a little too close to home, he did just that. “We’re simply homeowners that care about […]

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Streetscaping project expected to revamp downtown Durham

By Carl Kenney

The Angier-Driver Streetscaping Project is well under way and not even the cold, wet weather can interfere. On a rainy Monday morning, construction workers Carlton Day and Steve Clayton worked on installing telephone lines at the intersection of Angier Avenue and Driver Street in downtown Durham. Their work is part of a nearly $4 million […]

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Joe’s Diner is so much more than just hot dogs

By Carl Kenney

  The home of the one pound hot dog is the heart of the Northeast Durham community. The doors are always open at Joe’s Diner. The restaurant’s famous “Bull Burger” sizzles on the grill. Voices praise the chef. As customers enjoy their meals, the diner’s owner, Joseph Bushfan, walks around giving thumbs up. “I started […]

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Samuel and Sons Barbershop: a real come-back story

By Carl Kenney

Almost three years after a devastating fire destroyed his business, Samuel Jenkins is back on his feet. His barbershop, Samuel and Sons, 2110 Angier Ave., was consumed in flames on Jan. 2, 2011, leaving almost $200,000 worth of damage. Jenkins said rising from the ashes was a challenge. “Everywhere I would look, it looked like […]

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JABGC Toy and Coat Drive called a success

By Carl Kenney

On Saturday, December 21, 2013 The John Avery Boys & Girls Club held their first annual Toy and Coat Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event was presented by NINETY SIX and held at the LeRoy T. Walker Physical Education and Recreation Complex at North Carolina Central University. Walking into the building that […]

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Getting to know the neighbors next door

By Carl Kenney

“The neighborhood is one of the most important and useful communities in a person’s life.” That statement is the mission of the neighborhood social media company, Nextdoor. I found out about Nextdoor from a post card sent to my grandmother asking her to join. The thing that separates this new social media network from others […]

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At the New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles

By Carl Kenney

January 21, 2014

      A photo essay by Kelly Creedon, UNC grad student. Driving down North Alston Avenue in East Durham, there is a small sign posted on the corner of Hopkins Street that reads in bright red letters “New Greater Zion Wall House of Miracles.” About two blocks down on the right stands a simple […]

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John Avery Toy Drive makes the season jolly

By Carl Kenney

December 19, 2013

Do you want to give back to your community but feel like you can’t because you don’t know how? If so, come join the John Avery Boys & Girls Club for its first annual Toy and Coat Drive. The free event, presented by the Raleigh-based marketing firm NINETY SIX, is Saturday, December 21 from 10 […]

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EDCI brings families together with Story Hour, both in English and Spanish

By Carl Kenney

December 2, 2013

Parents and children of Durham are coming together once again with the help of the East Durham Children’s Initiative. On a regular basis, EDCI hosts Story Hours where parents can bring their kids for an hour of stories and fun. EDCI not only caters to English-speakers, but Spanish speakers as well. There are three Story […]

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EDCI helps make the holiday season bright

By Carl Kenney

December 1, 2013

The holiday season has officially begun at East Durham Children’s Initiative. They’re busy planning the second annual Holiday Zone – an event guaranteed to make many children in the community smile. This year, EDCI invited over 150 parents to come choose complimentary gifts for their children. Gifts are donated by local individuals and organizations, and […]

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Sharing a piece of the pie

By Carl Kenney

A lack of sleep and worry kept him up at nights. After 13 years as an active duty Army man, Hakeem Moore, a 35-year-old veteran and father of three, found he just couldn’t “turn off” things he’d seen during his 15 months in Baghdad.   Bombs going off, rocket-propelled grenade (RPGs) explosions and people getting […]

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All on the same team

By Carl Kenney

November 25, 2013

“To win a championship, you have to play as a team.” That’s what Phillip Robinson-Hayes, an Early College senior, says. The same principle can be used with giving back to others in need. It is very important for people to give back to their communities. As a neighborhood, we’re all on the same team. A […]

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Hillside’s William Logan named DPS Principal of the Year

By Carl Kenney

November 24, 2013

  By Kristen Mayo, Jazmine Dixon and Breana Kea Hillside Chronicle Staff  Writers,  Hillside High School   Hillside Principal William Logan has been awarded the Principal of the Year award for Durham Public Schools. “I felt stunned, appreciated and grateful,” Logan said, after almost shedding tears of joy. Logan was completely surprised about receiving the […]

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Local graffiti artist “Niko’s” take on the “art”

By Carl Kenney

November 22, 2013

What started as a subculture on the streets of New York in the 1970s has gained popularity in the decades since. It starts with writing your name on your choice of canvas whether it be a wall, paper, trains, or other place. From there: writing you name evolves into adding your own style, and there […]

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New neighbors for NECD: Committee working on recommendation for DPD headquarters move

By Carl Kenney

Northeast Central Durham residents could have new neighbors. City officials are deciding where the new Durham Police Department headquarters will be built and two of three proposed locations are in NECD. The two locations are 600 East Main Street and Merrick Street where the Fayette Place apartments once stood. Jesse Burwell, Assistant Chief of Durham […]

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Hillside hosts a rally for public schools

By Carl Kenney

November 21, 2013

  By: the Hillside High School Chronicle staff On Monday, Nov. 4 Hillside joined many other schools in North Carolina in a “walk-in” for public education. Parents, teachers and students gathered in front of the school at 6:45 a.m. to rally for public schools. “Public education is at the root of our society’s problems, yet […]

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Matthew Hunt sets high standards as new principal of Northern

By Carl Kenney

Northern Round Table editors-in-chief D.J. Ellis and Brooklynn Cooper sat down with their new principal, Matthew Hunt, for a Q & A session Round Table: What made you want to get into education after being a professional basketball player and a Wall Street banker?   Hunt: I didn’t feel good about any of the things […]

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Hope for the youth in Durham

By Carl Kenney

November 20, 2013

According to information from the 2006-2010 U.S. Census Bureau, and U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey, there were 44,000, 14-to-24-year-olds in Durham. A report called, “Disconnected Youth in the Research Triangle: An Ominous Problem Hidden in Plain Sight,” was conducted six years ago for the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation. It concluded that roughly 40 […]

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One teen’s concern about teen pregnancy, abortions and school

By Carl Kenney

November 19, 2013

By Alexia Squires The Spartan Times Southern High School Teen pregnancy in the United States is common. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, three out of ten American girls will become pregnant at least once before age 20. In addition, many may have mothers who also became pregnant during teen […]

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Enjoying another Homecoming in Durham

By Carl Kenney

Homecoming is an event anticipated by many. People always talk about N.C. A & T’s and N.C. State’s Homecomings and many more in the area. But each year no homecoming can compare to N.C. Central University’s. On Saturday, October 19, N.C. Central kicked of their homecoming weekend with a BANG! Although it was a rainy […]

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Two Durham legacies partner to create community

By Carl Kenney

  Within one mile of each other stand two of Durham’s most historical sites. Situated on Fayetteville Street near the Durham Expressway is what was formerly known as St. Joseph’s African Methodist Episcopal Church. Built in 1891, the church played an integral part in the thriving African-American community of Hayti. In 1910, Dr. James E. […]

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Rock the Red at Durham’s World AIDS Da

By Carl Kenney

December 3 marks the date of the Annual Durham World AIDS Day that will be held at the Holton Career Resource Center. The Partnership for a Healthy Durham is hosting this year’s event with the theme of ‘Rock the RED: Represent Your Culture’. The event is meant to commemorate those who are infected with the […]

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Durham gifted with Winter Fairy Tale performance

By Carl Kenney

Durham has become well known as a welcoming place for artists of all types. In that tradition, Mercury Studio on Mangum Street recently hosted Karma Thomas who enraptured Durham residents with her performance of Bulgaria: A Fairly Dark Faerie Tale or, A Mid-Winter’s Dream. About 20 people gathered on November 1 as she read songs […]

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Revamped playground will meet needs

By Carl Kenney

The City of Durham, Keep Durham Beautiful, ABC11, Disney, and KaBOOM! partnered on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 to build a new playground, designed by kids, in Oakwood Avenue Park at 411 Holloway Street. Prep day for the installation of the new playground took place on Oct. 31. Volunteers sorted and separated all the new […]

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Let’s get SMART

By Carl Kenney

By Riyah Exum Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church is much more than just a spiritual building. Almost four years ago Orange Grove Church received a grant to start a learning program to help young children with their math, reading and other academic skills. The SMART program is a learning program at Orange Grove that meets […]

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New voting laws likely to reduce voting turnout

By Carl Kenney

By Riyah Exum, Municipal Elections took place on Nov. 5 for mayor and city council. Durham County Board of Elections has confirmed that William “Bill” Bell will be mayor for a third term. However, new changes to voter’s registration may impact future voters in upcoming elections. New voting residents will now be required to show […]

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Durham approves urban bowhunting of deer

By Carl Kenney

November 14, 2013

By Evey Wilson Special to the Durham VOICE The Back Story Eric Steinbicker, a dentist in Mebane, N.C. spearheaded the issue of urban bow deer hunting in Durham. “It was my idea,” Steinbicker said, “I grew up in the area and knew there were a lot of deer being killed.” As a hunter, he wants […]

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Legendary coach Herman Boone remains the same

By Carl Kenney

November 13, 2013

  Throughout the years, Ike Boone has gotten accustomed to telling his story. So on the night of his 78th birthday, he did just that — recounting memories revolving around growing up in Rocky Mount and attending North Carolina Central University, then named North Carolina College at Durham. But while telling his story, a ringing […]

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Learning from Grandfather’s example

By Carl Kenney

My granddad, Pastor Sylvester Williams, didn’t always want to be a pastor. He really didn’t know what he was going to be when he was my age. Williams had a different approach to life growing up. “When I was growing up, I wanted to be a professional hobo,” he said. A hobo is slang for […]

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Reid honored for work at Global Scholars Academy

By Carl Kenney

October 29, 2013

One recent Wednesday afternoon when N.C. Central University senior quarterback Jordan Reid walked into the Global Scholars Academy, he expected to be speaking to the students on how to prevent and respond to bullying. He didn’t know a surprise celebration awaited him for being named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. To be nominated […]

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Resources available for fathers

By Carl Kenney

Imagine receiving child support, but not having enough money to make ends meet. Imagine going through a custody battle without knowing your legal rights. Imagine wanting to be a better father, but not knowing how or where to begin. Now, imagine not knowing where to turn to get help. Durham lost a young, apparently desperate […]

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Learning through extracurricular activities

By Carl Kenney

October 28, 2013

Aside from the cramming sessions before exams and constant deadlines for school work, it is important for students to find an extracurricular outlet. Having good grades is great, but it isn’t everything. Being able to do what you enjoy outside of school is also important. Many times students think about what they are good at […]

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Chiropractor leaves community footprints

By Carl Kenney

October 22, 2013

Imagine silence. Except for a ticking clock, all that is heard is Dr. Eldee Brown Sr. speaking: “My grandparents came from Africa and were sold as slaves in Fayetteville.” I heard those haunting words as I learned state’s oldest currently active-licensed chiropractor’s story. Brown will be 97 years old in April. From his humble beginnings, […]

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Durham History Hub: A museum created by the community for the community

By Carl Kenney

October 21, 2013

  The creation of a museum of Durham history has been discussed since the 1940s, and on Oct. 12, that concept became a reality as the city came together to celebrate the opening of the Durham History Hub at 500 West Main St. The opening day celebration was a reflection of the museum’s creation, with […]

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Dog owners and lovers come together for a day at the park

By Carl Kenney

If you walked by Durham Central Park on Oct. 6, you probably asked yourself, “Who let the dogs out?” Hundreds of dog owners and lovers alike came together for Durham Parks and Recreation’s 10th Annual Woofstock, an event celebrating canines and canine recreation. “Durham Parks and Recreation’s mission is to provide opportunities for our community […]

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A chance for youth to lead

By Carl Kenney

Many parents want their child to be a leader and not a follower. Junior Leadership Durham Inc. is a non-profit program training high school sophomore students in becoming strong leaders and has been around since 2003. JLD promotes teamwork, helps in the development of leadership skills and encourages self-confidence and personal growth. In the program […]

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Hillside and Hillside New Tech contemplate a merger

By Carl Kenney

A proposed merger between Hillside and Hillside New Tech could take place during the 2014-15 school year with a final decision to be made by Jan. 1. Hillside New Tech is a separate school within Hillside High School that uses technology in order for their students to complete the majority of their work. This school […]

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