View complete article and references at Commemorative Landscapes of North Carolina at: https://docsouth.unc.edu/commland/monument/191

Description: This pedestrian-scale bronze sculpture is the fifth in a series of six monuments documenting "Black Wall Street" in Durham. The sculpture features a chain and gears. It highlights the significance of the investors in Durham, who made it possible for many professionals, including barbers, pharmacists, educators, and artists, to thrive in the Durham area.

Nickname: The Parrish Street Sculptures

Inscription:
Financial and Professional Impact in Durham John Merrick's admonition, "Let us think more of our employment" guided the development of Parrish Street as the center city address of many ambitious bankers, doctors, lawyers, and accountants whose investments in a growing African American community made it possible for barbers and beauticians, pharmacists, nurses, architects, educators and artists to thrive in Durham.

Image of the plaque

Dedication date: 10/15/2009

Creator: Leah Foushee, Sculptor Alvin Frega, Sculptor Michael Waller, Sculptor

Materials & Techniques: Bronze

Sponsor: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds granted with the assistance of Representative David E. Price.

Cost: $350000

Post dedication use: This monument, and the entire series of Parrish Street sculptures, is part of a larger revitalization effort by the city of Durham.

Subject notes: This sculpture highlights the importance of Durham's investors to the growing African-American community in the area. These investors were following the advice of John Merrick, who said "Let us think more of our employment." Merrick was the founder of North Carolina Mutual Life insurance company

Location: The sculpture sits on historic Parrish Street, which is better known as "Black Wall Street." It is part of a series of six sculptures commemorating Durham's African-American history.

Former Locations: None

Landscape: This sculpture is in downtown Durham. There are a few trees close to the monument.

City: Durham

County: Durham

Subjects: Industry