BLAC

10/16/2026

One city is noticeably absent.

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10/16/2026

We have already surpassed first day early voting numbers from the 2018 and 2022 General Elections! There is still time to vote, so visit our website at dcovotes.com to find a site near you. Let's make it a record breaker, Durham!

10/16/2026

POOR Magazine is a poor people led/indigenous people led, grassroots non-profit, arts organization dedicated to providing revolutionary media access, art, education and advocacy to silenced youth, adults and elders in poverty across the globe.

10/15/2026

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10/14/2026

10/09/2026

On Monday night, the city council voted 4-3 to extend contracts for both The Ferguson Group, a national lobbying firm, and Checkmate Government Relations, a statewide lobbying group based in Winston-Salem with ties to the Trump administration.

Concerns surrounding the contracts were largely levied at Checkmate’s work within state government. Some council members felt that the firm had not achieved enough to warrant a contract extension, particularly in comparison with The Ferguson Group. Council members Chelsea Cook, Shanetta Burris and Nate Baker voted against extending the contracts.

Some councilors and members of the public questioned whether the city was living up to its progressive values by working with a lobbying firm with ties to the Trump family. 

Charles F. ‘Ches’ McDowell IV, Checkmate’s founder, has a close relationship with Donald Trump Jr.; the two are avid hunting buddies, as The Assembly previously reported. Chris LaCivita, father of Checkmate Public Affairs Director Chris LaCivita Jr., was also a senior advisor and co-campaign manager for President Trump’s 2024 campaign, according to The 9th Street Journal.

“As native North Carolinians, we are proud of the work we have accomplished,” McDowell said. “Our team will continue to collaborate with Mayor Williams, Council, and staff to ensure that we keep delivering for the City and the Durham taxpayers.”

The extension takes the contracts through 2028 with total expenses up to $346,000 for Ferguson Group and up to $480,000 for Checkmate for the four years.

Read more at the link in bio.
Story by Justin Laidlaw (Buddy R***i (Roo-skee) 🦎🧭)
Image courtesy of Ches McDowell.

10/08/2026

We are heartbroken to share that Firefighter Andrew Brokes died in the line of duty this morning while searching for victims inside the building at 410 Marly Drive.

Firefighter Brokes, who joined the Durham Fire Department on May 5, 2025, served the Durham community with dedication, courage, and a deep commitment to the residents of the Bull City.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our department, the family, and the entire community,” said Durham Fire Chief Robert J. Zoldos II. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and his colleagues, and we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this unimaginably difficult time. The department is standing with and supporting his family in every possible way.”

Two other firefighters were injured during the incident and were taken to Duke Medical Center. Both have received care and are expected to make full recoveries.

This loss is felt across our entire department. Firefighters step into unpredictable situations every day in service to others, and Firefighter Brokes embodied that calling with honor.

We know our community is grieving alongside us. If you wish to share your condolences or messages of support, they will be received with gratitude by our department and by those who knew and loved Firefighter Brokes.

In the coming days, we will share more information about how we will honor his service and support the firefighters involved in this incident.

Thank you, Durham, for surrounding our DFD family with care during this profoundly difficult time.

10/08/2026

The new resolution is intended to affect a decades-long wealth gap that has impacted the Durham community for generations.

10/05/2026