Celebrating Grant Street: A Community Documentary Preview

Join neighbors, elders, and community leaders for an afternoon celebrating the history and future of Grant Street.

This gathering will feature the premiere of a short documentary capturing the heart, history, and future vision of one of Durham’s historic neighborhoods. The film highlights the voices and leadership of the Grant Street Ladies whose families have lived in the neighborhood for 100+ years— Brenda Bradsher, Vivian Gunn, Pam Blake, Dianne Merritt, and Joanne Brown — alongside Bishop Clarence Laney, Jr., as we celebrate his 30 years of pastoral leadership and the enduring presence of Monument of Faith Church, which has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood since 1933.

The gathering will bring together neighbors, community leaders, business owners, nonprofit partners, and public officials to celebrate the history of this historic Black neighborhood while also sharing the community’s vision for its future—one that centers neighborhood stability, historic preservation, and long-term flourishing for the families who call Grant Street home.

Produced in partnership with local filmmaker Jay Reid of Renaissance Digital, the documentary tells the story of Grant Street through the people who have shaped and sustained the community for generations.

This event will also serve as a launch moment for deeper community collaboration, including volunteer opportunities, expanded fundraising efforts, and continued neighborhood initiatives.

We hope you’ll join us to celebrate the stories, leadership, and future of the Grant Street Community.

📆 Saturday, April 18th
⏰ 3:00 - 4:30pm EST
📍 Hayti Heritage Center