Candidates and Community Gather - Provident 1898

Candidates and Community come together at the historical Provident1898. The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People Political Action Committee PAC and Public Relations Committee successfully advanced its 2026 midterm election activities with a well-attended “Meet and Greet” held January 22nd at Provident 1898. The event drew strong participation from both candidates and community members and marked a key milestone in DCABP’s ongoing commitment to informed civic engagement and voter education. Provident 1898, located in downtown Durham, served as an ideal venue for the gathering. The community-centered business and coworking facility is rooted in Black entrepreneurial legacy and economic empowerment. Inspired by Durham’s historic Black Wall Street and the legacy of the NC Mutual and Provident Association founded in 1898, the space provided both historical significance and a professional environment for meaningful dialogue between candidates and voters.

More than 40 local, statewide, congressional candidates, and local elected officials were in attendance. Each candidate was afforded the opportunity to present their case for earning the support of Durham voters, while challengers outlined their vision and priorities for change. The event functioned as a grassroots civic forum, offering community members direct access to candidates to discuss pressing issues, share concerns, and voice priorities that will help shape the future of Durham as well as the state of North Carolina.

The organizational strategies guiding the endorsement process were intentionally designed to ensure fairness, openness, and transparency. Attorney Floyd McKissick, Jr., Chairman, stated, “The endorsement process began with an exhaustive review of candidates, including questionnaires and interviews. Following the Meet and Greet, members of the Political Committee Executive convened on Saturday to present recommendations for each race to the full Political Committee. On Sunday, those recommendations were brought before the DCABP general body for consideration of endorsements for the 2026 primary election cycle. We achieved our goal, and the outcome reflects a diverse slate of endorsed candidates we believe will effectively represent communities of color.”

Attorney William (Drew) Marsh, III, Chair of the DCABP PAC, added, “This was a very arduous process. Vice Chairperson Brenda Howerton, former Durham County Commissioner, and I worked diligently to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws throughout each phase. Supported by a seasoned and highly professional team, our focus remained on transparency, meaningful community engagement, and recommending candidates best positioned to serve and uplift communities of color.”