DCABP Annual Meeting - " Where Community Meets Action"

Despite inclement weather, community members and candidates demonstrated unwavering commitment and resilience by attending the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People’s Annual Meeting at St. Joseph AME Church. The energy in the room reflected a community deeply engaged and fully aware of the significance of the upcoming 2026 primary elections.

Rosa Anderson and Renee Clark set the tone with an invigorating welcome and skillful moderation, reinforcing the importance of civic participation and the community’s desire to engage directly with candidates who best represent their needs, priorities, and aspirations. In recognition of the organization’s enduring legacy, Commissioner Stephen Valentine presented the official Durham County Resolution honoring DCABP’s 90th Anniversary to Chairman Attorney Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. The Honorable Leonardo Williams also acknowledged DCABP’s longstanding accomplishments and continued impact in Durham.

Dawn Baxton, member of the Durham County Board of Elections, provided timely and essential election updates, ensuring attendees understood voting options, deadlines, and procedures—empowering citizens to participate confidently in the democratic process.

DCABP subcommittee chairs—Dr. Wanda Boone, William A. (Drew) Marsh, III, Jan Cromartie, Patrick Hannah, and Dr. Monique Holsey-Hyman—presented highlights of 2025 achievements and outlined strategic action items for 2026. Public Relations Chair Glyndola Massenburg-Beasley concluded the committee reports with a forward-looking presentation centered on the theme, “Where History Intersects with Innovation,” emphasizing the integration of legacy, branding, and digital strategy to advance the organization’s mission.

The event, coordinated by Anqelique Stallings, Civic Committee Chair, embraced the theme “Where Community Meets Action.” Attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, U.S. House Representative for North Carolina’s 4th District, whose remarks underscored the power of civic engagement and responsive leadership.

Chairman McKissick reflected on the vision of DCABP’s founders, challenging attendees to consider what they might have imagined for this present moment and reminding the audience that civil rights work remains necessary and urgent. Candidates, along with current and former elected officials in attendance, were formally recognized.

In his closing remarks, Rev. Dr. Adbue L. Knox offered a historical perspective on the evolution of faith-based communities in candidate endorsements, culminating in the endorsement of Congresswoman Valerie Foushee.

As DCABP moves forward, the Annual Meeting served not only as a celebration of 90 years of advocacy and leadership, but also as a call to continued action, unity, and progress for the Durham community.