The official proclamation
from Mayor Tennyson
and the City of Durham.
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Sign Dedication Celebrates Diversity
Neighborhood moves past hate crimes with ceremony
on a beautiful fall morning.
On October 17, 1998, Old West Durham unveiled its sign
at the northwest corner of Hillsborough Road and Ninth Street. From
left: Howard Clement, Mayor Pro Tem; Durham Police Captain B.J. Council,
OWDNA Vice-President Betty Greene, and OWDNA President John Schelp.
The neighborhood of Old West Durham has
a strong commitment to "diversity, harmony and community."
Residents of Old West Durham (stretching from Duke's East Campus west
to Hillandale Road) marked their accomplishments and celebrate the neighborhood's
bright future. Mayor Pro Tem Howard Clement III and Police Captain BJ
Council provided comments that included a mayoral proclamation.
An "Old West Durham" sign, designed and donated by neighborhood businessman
Mitchell Fisher (Fisher Signs), was unveiled on the traffic island at
the corner of Ninth Street and Hillsborough Road on October 17. Refreshments
were donated by Elmo's Diner.
Three years ago, two neighborhood residents became the targets of
hate crimes. With the support of police, neighbors, prosecutors, and
friends the perpetrators of these crimes were held accountable for their
actions. Durham's successful use of the Ethnic Intimidation Act has
served as a model for the prosecution of hate crimes across North Carolina.
In response to these events in their neighborhood, residents came together
to support the victims and also establish the Old West Durham Neighborhood
Association.
