Rev. Douglas E. Moore
Black Activist
In 1957, seven black activists led by Rev. Douglas E. Moore challenge segregation with a sit-in at Durham's Royal Ice Cream Company.

Nathan C. Newbold
Director, Division of Negro Education
In 1921, North Carolina establishes the Division of Negro Education, with Nathan C. Newbold as director and George E. Davis as his assistant.

Henry Ward Oxendine
First American Indian Elected to N.C. General Assembly
In 1972, Henry Ward Oxendine, a Lumbee from Robeson County, becomes the first American Indian elected to the General Assembly.

Dr. James E. Shepard
Founder, The National Religious Training School and Chautauqua
In 1910, the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua, founded by Dr. James E. Shepard, opens in Durham. In 1923, it becomes a state-supported school to train African-American teachers. Two years later, the General Assembly makes it the nation's first state-supported liberal arts college for blacks, named the N. C. College for Negroes. It eventually becomes N. C. Central University.

Warren Wheeler
Founder, Wheeler Flying Service
In 1969, Durham resident Warren Wheeler founds Wheeler Flying Service, becoming the first African American to own a commercial airline.