Celebrating Black History Month
Join Durham Parks and Recreation in celebrating Black History Month! Here are some 'Did you know...' facts from our history that highlight and celebrate the many achievements made by and for the African American community...
Did you know that the W.D. Hill Recreation Center was Durham Park and Recreation's first facility in Durham's black community? In 1947, the Recreation Advisory Council convinced the City to purchase the old Durham USO building on Fayetteville Street in order to open a Recreation Center. The RAC also voted to name the center after North Carolina Mutual executive and community activist W.D. (William Daniel) Hill.
Did you know that two Wimbledon Tennis Champions spent time at the Algonquin Tennis Club? One as a youth, the other as a teen, which played a role in their tennis development...the youth, Arthur Ashe and the teen, Althea Gibson. Althea Gibson, became the first African American female and Arthur Ashe, the first African American male to win the sport of tennis's oldest and most prestigious tournament. Learn more about the Algonquin Tennis Club.
Did you know the first female, African American Director of Durham Parks and Recreation was Rhonda B. Parker? Rhonda B. Parker became the first female, African American Director of Durham Parks and Recreation on May 20, 2007. After years of commitment and dedication to serving the City of Durham community, she officially retired in February 2020.
Did you know Biff Henderson competed in tennis tournaments at the Algonquin Tennis Club? If you were a fan of the Late Night with David Letterman Show, you will most likely remember Stage Manager Biff Henderson, who also took part in comedic skits. Henderson was one of the neighborhood kids who competed as a young child in tournaments at the Algonquin Tennis Club.
Did you know the Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival has been around since 1969? A group of African-American students from Duke University, North Carolina College at Durham, now North Carolina Central University (NCCU), and a host of community members met to plan a cultural arts festival for the residents of Durham. After months of planning, the first Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival was held in Duke Gardens. The festival was established in honor of the West African festival of harvest and celebration. Over the years, the festival has moved to different locations and eventually Durham Parks and Recreation took lead in planning the festival. Read the full history on our website.
Did you know the first African American Director of Durham Parks and Recreation was Carl E. Washington Jr.? Carl E. Washington Jr. served as the fifth Director, co-leading with William Harret, from 1995 to 1997. Washington oversaw programming and Harret oversaw operations.
Did you know that two Wimbledon Tennis Champions spent time at the Algonquin Tennis Club? One as a youth, the other as a teen, which played a role in their tennis development...the youth, Arthur Ashe and the teen, Althea Gibson. Althea Gibson, became the first African American female and Arthur Ashe, the first African American male to win the sport of tennis's oldest and most prestigious tournament. Learn more about the Algonquin Tennis Club.
Did you know Biff Henderson competed in tennis tournaments at the Algonquin Tennis Club? If you were a fan of the Late Night with David Letterman Show, you will most likely remember Stage Manager Biff Henderson, who also took part in comedic skits. Henderson was one of the neighborhood kids who competed as a young child in tournaments at the Algonquin Tennis Club.
To learn more about the history of Durham Parks and Recreation, visit our website for an interactive history timeline.
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