Ann Atwater
trailblazer
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DCABP Inc. “Trailblazer” Honoring Our Legacy
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Tribute to Ann Atwater
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Ann Atwater was a fearless grassroots organizer, civil rights activist, and advocate for low-income Black families. Born in the small rural town of Hallsboro located in Columbus County, NC, Atwater grew up impoverished in a segregated South. Leaving school after completing the tenth grade to help support her family, Atwater’s lack of additional formal education never limited her ability to achieve as she relied on her wisdom and determination. After moving to Durham, NC in the 1950s in search of work, she faced firsthand the challenges of discrimination, poor housing conditions, and economic inequality that plagued many Black families during that era. These experiences shaped her lifelong mission to fight for dignity, justice, and fair treatment for working-class people.
Atwater began her activism through Operation Breakthrough, an anti-poverty program funded by the federal government’s War on Poverty initiative in the 1960s. There, she worked tirelessly to help low-income residents navigate discriminatory housing systems, secure public assistance, and confront exploitative landlords. Her organizing skills and bold personality quickly made her a respected figure in Durham’s Black community. She was known for fearlessly speaking truth to power and holding local officials accountable for neglecting the needs of poor families.
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In 1971, she co-chaired the Durham School Desegregation Charrette alongside C.P. Ellis, a former Ku Klux Klan leader. The two were bitter enemies initially with Atwater representing the Black community’s fight for equality, and Ellis embodying white resistance to integration. Through open dialogue during the meetings and shared experiences they began to see each other’s humanity. Their unlikely friendship became a powerful symbol of racial reconciliation and understanding, showing that compassion and communication could overcome even the deepest divides. Their story later inspired the 1996 book and 2019 film “The Best of Enemies”.
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After this transformative event, Atwater continued to serve Durham for decades as an activist, community educator, and advisor. She advocated for affordable housing, voting rights, education reform, and economic justice, working closely with organizations like the United Organizations for Community Improvement and the Durham Housing Authority. Her leadership style—rooted in faith, empathy, and courage—empowered countless others to stand up for their rights and believe in the power of collective action.
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Ann Atwater’s legacy continues to shape Durham’s ongoing struggles for social and racial justice. Becoming one of the most courageous and influential leaders in Durham's annals, her tireless work remains a shining example of how one person’s courage and compassion can transform entire communities. Her life teaches that real power lies not in status or wealth, but in service, love, and the relentless pursuit of justice for all.
DCABP Inc.
“GAME CHANGerS”
Recognizing Our Future
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Pierce Freelon is an award-winning musician, educator, and public servant. He was born and raised in Durham, NC, and represents a new generation of Black changemakers who blend art, activism and education to empower and uplift their communities. As the founder of Blackspace, a digital makerspace for youth, and a former Durham City Council Member, Freelon has devoted his life to creating spaces where African American voices are heard, affirmed, and celebrated.
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​Freelon’s contributions span across music, education, and policy. His Grammy-nominated albums for children, such as “D.a.D” and “Black to the Future” provide affirming, culturally relevant soundtracks for Black families. Through his work on the Emmy Award–winning PBS series Beat Making Lab and his founding of Blackspace, Freelon has helped democratize access to technology and creative expression for Black youth in Durham and around the world. His programs teach beat-making, spoken word, coding, and storytelling, all rooted in Afrofuturism and cultural pride.
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As a powerful voice in politics and public life, Freelon brought his creative ethos to Durham’s City Council where he championed participatory budgeting, youth-centered policies, and equitable investment in historically underserved communities. He is a bold advocate for systemic change, community-based leadership, and culturally competent public policy. His civic work continues the legacy of Durham’s progressive Black leadership, grounded in the belief that policy should reflect the lived experiences of the people it serves.
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Beyond his official roles, Freelon is a bridge between generations. As the son of Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon and renowned architect Philip Freelon, Pierce carries a legacy of excellence in the arts and design. His work as an author, publishing “Daddy-Daughter Day”, along with his national public speaking reflect his commitment to nurturing healthy Black families, promoting mental wellness, and telling stories that reflect the fullness of the Black experience.
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Freelon’s presence in Durham is more than symbolic, it is transformative. His work has empowered a generation of young Black creatives to find their voice, tell their stories, and shape their futures with confidence and pride. Freelon reminds us that liberation can be joyful, that justice can be poetic, and that art can be a tool of transformation.
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Pierce Freelon stands as a symbol of innovation, creativity, and community power. The city of Durham and the future of Black creative leadership in America have been immeasurably shaped by his voice and vision. His work continues to inspire youth and elderly alike, making him a true GAME CHANGer whose legacy of radical imagination and collective care will echo through Durham and beyond for generations to come.
Joee Starke is a 21-year-old North Carolina Central University senior. Starke is a native of Greensboro, NC who relocated to Durham, NC in pursuit of attaining his bachelor’s degree. Starke is a mass communication major who wants to become a director one day. He is currently the president of the 1910 Film Alliance, and he is a local DJ.
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Starke wants to create a change by working with youth, families and communities in an attempt to help them seek out their creative nature through things such as community service , workshops and more. The motivation that drives Starke is seeing others create in a safe space as well as individuals who have supported his efforts. Now in a position to help, Starke states that he will not disappoint and will help guide others as much as he can to achieve their own version of success.
Carol Mabiala is 24 years old and was born and raised in Raleigh North Carolina. Mabiala's family roots stem from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Carol's big dream in life is to help others become great which is why she has been working at NCCU with TRIO, a federal program that helps high school students on their journey to receive the correct tools and resources needed to become great leaders and even if interested begin their journey as college students.
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As an undergraduate student at Meredith College Carol where she received her bachelors, Carol studied child development doubled minored in both family and consumer science and art studio. Carol has a Masters in science in family and consumer science with a concentration in Human Development and studies and credits all of her achievements and work to her inspiration to her lord and savior Jesus Christ as well as her mentor who has been with her since the early age of 12 years old. Carol has stated that she will continue to fight for children through navigating and creating better opportunities for all the teenagers she works with and all of the staff members around her.
Our Legacy Prepared Us
