2025 DCABP 90th FOUNDERS DAY BANQUET

More than 400 community members, influencers, and elected officials gathered at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel to celebrate the 90th Founders Day of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People (DCABP).

The celebration honored a legacy that began in 1935, when nine visionary men gathered at Durham’s historic Algonquin Tennis Club—a hub for Black excellence in athletics, civic life, and community building. The club was the home court for legendary players such as Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe, as well as Durham’s own top tennis talents. At the time, African Americans were excluded from the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association, prompting the creation of the American Tennis Association in 1916—the nation’s first national sports league for African Americans. Against this backdrop, on August 15, 1935, the Durham Committee on Negro Affairs (DCNA)—now DCABP—was formed. From its earliest days, the Committee has served as a powerful political voice, advancing civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and social progress for Durham’s Black community.

The Saturday, August 16, 2025 celebration was both a remembrance and a call to action. “Tonight, we pause to honor the visionaries who founded this movement, the warriors who have sustained it, and the emerging leaders preparing to carry it forward,” said Attorney Floyd B. McKissick, Jr., current chairman of DCABP. “These are indeed complex and demanding times, but history teaches us that unity, resilience, and focused action lead to transformation. We must meet division with dialogue, fatigue with resolve, and apathy with bold commitment. Our collective strength lies in our ability to unite around a vision, build together, and act with purpose.”

Congresswoman Alma S. Adams delivered a powerful keynote address, declaring a “war on bondage.” She urged DCABP and attendees to engage fully in the enduring struggle for justice, equity, and freedom. From the Civil Rights Movement to present-day challenges, she noted, every generation faces its own chapter in this ongoing fight. Today, she emphasized, the war on bondage must also be waged in the mind—by unlearning imposed limitations, dismantling self-doubt, and rejecting stereotypes designed to diminish human worth. Liberation, she affirmed, is found in reclaiming cultural identity, celebrating heritage, and affirming dignity against systems that seek to devalue marginalized communities.

The evening also recognized outstanding leadership and community service. Honorees included Ms. Phyllis Coley and Dr. Jerry Head, Jr. for their contributions to the community. Two new awards were presented: the Business Legacy Award to Mechanics and Farmers Bank and the Chairman’s Award to Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine. A highlight of the evening was the recognition of student honorees for academic excellence, underscoring DCABP’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Heartfelt thanks were extended to the Civic Committee and Chair Angelique Stallings; Public Relations Chair Glyndola Massenburg-Beasley; and Youth & Education Committee Chair Dr. Monique Holsey-Hyman for their dedication in planning and executing the celebration. Chairman McKissick also expressed deep appreciation to sponsors, patrons, elected officials, supporters and the full DCABP leadership for their continued commitment to DCABP’s mission.

The 90th Founders Day was not only a commemoration of history but also a rallying cry to carry the legacy forward—with unity, courage, and purpose.