Black Wall Street, Durham, NC

HomeBlack Wall Street, Durham, NC

We’re bringing back the vitality and outlook of Durham’s Black Wall Street.

At Provident1898, we support entrepreneurs and want to create a sense of community here in Durham, North Carolina. More specifically, we want to bring back the economic vitality and progress of Durham’s Black Wall Street, creating an environment where black-owned businesses thrive.

In the early 1900s, Durham became the destination for entrepreneurship, and businesses owned by African Americans were prominent on Parrish Street. This business area acquired the name “Black Wall Street” and eventually grew to a four-block area that became the epicenter for black residents’ cultural, educational, and religious life.

Our own version of Durham’s Black Wall Street may look a little different, but it embodies the same spirit and drive present in this block of the world nearly a century ago. We support business owners with a space to gather resources, connect with the community, and dedicate their time to new ventures that support their goals.

We welcome everyone who wants to participate in our mission and join us to continue the progress of enterprise and determination in Durham, North Carolina. Provident1898 is where ideas become actions, and we are always eager to hear new ideas and explore their possibilities.

Come be a part of Provident1898 and join a community where entrepreneurs thrive. Schedule a tour of our space today or give us a call if you have any questions about our resources, community, or location.

Upbuilders of Durham’s Billion Dollar Economy

When Durham needed heroes, The Upbuilders answered the call. The Visionary dreamed it, The Guardian protected it, The Powerhouse built it, and The Rainmaker made it flourish. Today at Provident1898, their powers live on in you. Join us in writing the next chapter of Durham’s story.

Black Wall Street, Provident1898
John Merrick
The Visionary
Co-founder of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and Mechanics & Farmers Bank, John Merrick laid the foundation for Black-owned financial institutions at scale, creating opportunities for wealth and economic growth in Durham’s Black community.
Black Wall Street, Provident1898
Dr. Aaron Moore
The Guardian
Durham’s first Black physician and co-founder of NC Mutual, Dr. Moore also helped establish the Durham Colored Library (now Stanford L. Warren Library) and Lincoln Hospital. He anchored trust and leadership in Durham’s Black institutions, advancing both health and education.
Black Wall Street, Provident1898
Charles Clinton Spaulding
The Powerhouse
President of NC Mutual for decades, C.C. Spaulding expanded the company nationally, promoted cooperative Black economics, and helped create the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. His leadership earned him a national reputation as a leading Black businessman.
Black Wall Street, Provident1898
Viola Turner
The Rainmaker
A pioneering financial strategist, Viola Turner built NC Mutual’s investment portfolio, advised on national markets, and became one of the first women to serve on the company’s board, helping secure long-term financial stability for Black-owned institutions.

At Provident1898, we have a coworking space inspired by the legacy of Black Wall Street for entrepreneurs and artists in the Research Triangle area, including Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.