Durham County Commissioners acknowledge indigenous history and announce community events

The Durham County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 14, 2025, opened with a powerful land acknowledgment, highlighting the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Commissioner Jacobs emphasized the importance of recognizing the ancestral lands of the Catawba, Eno, Occaneechi, Shakouri, and Tesco tribes, urging attendees to embrace a future built on compassion and respect.

Following the acknowledgment, the agenda was swiftly approved, paving the way for a series of community-focused announcements. The budget department is calling on young artists from pre-K to 12th grade to submit designs for the cover of the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget book, with entries due by April 15. This initiative aims to engage youth in local governance and celebrate their perspectives on Durham County.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted upcoming events, including the closure of government offices on April 18 for Good Friday and the return of the Little River Community Complex Fair, which runs through April 20 at the Durham County Memorial Stadium. The fair aims to provide recreational and educational activities for the local community.

In a push for public safety engagement, young women in grades nine through twelve are encouraged to apply for a free five-day public safety career exploration program, set to take place in June at the North Carolina State Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh.

The meeting concluded with a reminder to watch the latest episode of "In Touch with Durham County," featuring insights from County Manager Claudia Hager and Commissioner Michelle Burton, available on the county's YouTube channel. This session underscored the Board's commitment to community involvement and recognition of historical contexts as they move forward.