Angelique Stallings, Chair

Purchase Your Ticket Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/91st-annual-dcabp-founders-day-banquet-tickets-1987467595078?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Rosa Anderson, Vice Chair

A SPECIAL INVITATION
FROM THE CHAIRMAN

On behalf of the General Body Membership of the Durham Committee on the Affairs
of Black People, it is my distinct honor and privilege to invite you to our 2026 Annual
Founders’ Day Banquet. For generations, the Durham Committee has served as a
powerful advocate for justice, opportunity, and the well-being of Black residents
throughout Durham County. Our enduring strength is rooted in the commitment of
our members, community partners, supporters, and friends who believe in the
transformative power of collective action. Your presence affirms that shared commitment and helps us continue the important work of advancing educational achievement, economic opportunity, civic engagement, and social justice.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our keynote speaker, Pastor James Gailliard,
a visionary leader, accomplished public servant, and trusted voice at the intersection
of faith, justice, and community transformation. We are honored to welcome him and
| grateful for the wisdom, inspiration, and spirit of service he brings to this special occasion.

It is our sincere hope that you enjoy this memorable evening of celebration, fellowship, and
renewed commitment to community service.

With gratitude,

Senator Floyd B. McKissick, Jr.
Chairman
Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People

****************************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2026

Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People Announces Honorees for the 91st Annual Founders Day Banquet

DURHAM, N.C. – The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People (DCABP) proudly announces the 91st Annual Founders Day Banquet, to be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park, located at 4700 Emperor Boulevard, Durham, North Carolina.

For more than nine decades, the DCABP has stood as one of North Carolina's most respected civic and advocacy organizations, championing civil rights, political engagement, educational advancement, economic opportunity, and community empowerment. The annual Founders Day Banquet is the organization's signature event, bringing together elected officials, business leaders, educators, clergy, community advocates, and citizens to celebrate those whose leadership continues to transform Durham and beyond.

This year's banquet will recognize outstanding individuals whose vision, service, and commitment exemplify the values upon which the Durham Committee was founded.

2026 DCABP Chairman's Award Recipient – D. Curtis Lawson

The 2026 Chairman's Award, one of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People's
highest distinctions, is proudly presented to D. Curtis Lawson in recognition of his extraordinary
leadership, distinguished coaching career, steadfast commitment to community advancement,
and decades of dedicated service to North Carolina Central University, the City of Durham,
and the sport of tennis. As Associate Athletics Director, Director of Tennis, and Head Men's
Tennis Coach at North Carolina Central University, Coach Lawson has built one of the nation's
premier HBCU tennis programs while earning widespread respect for his collaborative leadership
strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to developing leaders. Throughout more than 25
years at NCCU, his work has reflected the principles of excellence, accountability, and service,
creating opportunities that have transformed the lives of countless students and strengthened the
urham community.

A nationally respected leader, Coach Lawson became the first NCCU tennis coach to serve on the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Committee, has served for more than a decade as President of the MEAC Tennis Coaches Association, and maintains leadership roles with both the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the American Tennis Association (ATA). In 2026, he received one of the sport's highest honors with his induction into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to tennis and his lifelong commitment to expanding opportunities for future generations. Beyond athletics, Coach Lawson has distinguished himself as a healthcare executive, researcher, mentor, philanthropist, and civic leader whose ability to unite diverse stakeholders has strengthened institutions and inspired meaningful community progress. The 2026 DCABP Chairman's Award recognizes not only his remarkable professional accomplishments but also his lifetime of visionary leadership, public service, and unwavering dedication to improving lives—qualities that embody the mission and legacy of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People and serve as an inspiration for generations to come. D. Curtis Lawson is the First Dues Paid Lifetime Member of the Durham Committee.

2026 Community Leadership Honorees

Community Leadership Award - Larry and Denise Hester

Larry and Denise Hester are visionary entrepreneurs and community developers whose
work has transformed Durham's historic Fayetteville Street Corridor. As founders of
M & M Real Estate Development and Consulting, they have demonstrated that strategic
investment can strengthen neighborhoods while creating economic opportunity.

Following the successful development of two neighborhood shopping centers, the
Hesters developed Phoenix Crossing Shopping Center in 2000, providing affordable
commercial space for dozens of small businesses while attracting regional and national
companies to one of Durham's most historic corridors.Their efforts have resulted in the
creation of more than 55,000 square feet of commercial space, expanding opportunities
for entrepreneurship, job creation, and neighborhood revitalization during challenging
economic times. Their legacy represents a powerful model of community-centered
economic development and investment.

Community Leadership Award - Destiny L. Alexander

Destiny L. Alexander is the founder of POOF Teen Center, an innovative organization dedicated to
empowering youth ages 13–18 through leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship,
legacy planning, and global exposure.

POOF creates a safe and structured environment where young people are encouraged to dream
beyond their current circumstances while developing the practical skills needed for lifelong success.
Through mentorship, academic support, travel experiences, and community engagement, the
organization nspires teens to become confident leaders committed to giving back to their communities.
Ms. Alexander's work is helping shape the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and civic
leaders.

2026 DCABP Youth & Education Committee Scholarship Recipients

The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People is equally proud to recognize five exceptional students who have been selected to receive the 1935 Social Change and Education Scholarship Award.

The 2026 recipients are: Brinity Horton, Lelia Lemons, Sage McNeil, Gianna Peterson and Johna Speller.

Selected through a competitive application process, these outstanding students distinguished themselves through exceptional academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, meaningful community service, and a clear commitment to creating positive change. Their accomplishments reflect the enduring mission of the Durham Committee to invest in the educational success and future leadership of young people.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable scholars," said the DCABP Youth and Education Committee. "Their dedication, perseverance, and vision inspire confidence in the future of our community."

Celebrating 91 Years of Advocacy and Leadership

Since its founding in 1935, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People has served as a leading voice for civic engagement, voting rights, educational equity, economic empowerment, and social justice. The Founders Day Banquet not only honors distinguished leaders but also raises critical support for scholarships, civic education, youth leadership initiatives, and community advocacy programs. Community members, alumni, elected officials, business leaders, and supporters are invited to join this historic celebration.