Adoption and Implementation of the Durham Cultural Roadmap

Requested that the city formally recognize Tuscarora history and consider establishing a historical marker in Durham.

Urged the city to create financial opportunities for smaller-scale, independent artists to survive and thrive in Durham.

Spoke on behalf of the Durham Arts Council to support the roadmap and highlight local student and artist role models.

Supported the roadmap on behalf of Switch Theatre Company, noting a severe lack of affordable theatre space in Durham.

Chair of the Durham Cultural Advisory Board thanked staff, consultants, and the community for years of work developing the plan.

Founder of The Fruit supported the roadmap's passage while cautioning that upcoming budget battles will require careful navigation of the arts ecosystem.

Encouraged adoption of the roadmap while warning against top-down corporate approaches and urging community-led implementation.

Highlighted immigrant and indigenous histories, emphasizing that cultural work must be rooted in truth and shared community heritage.

Speaking for Downtown Durham Inc. and the Public Arts Committee, urged council to adopt the roadmap to align with downtown strategic plans.

Expressed support for artist funding but argued for community-owned maker spaces and resources for ordinary working artists.

Performed an original spoken word piece celebrating Durham's Black history, Black Wall Street, and local heritage.

Supported the roadmap but suggested participatory budgeting so local artists can directly decide how funds are distributed.

Offered a traditional song in support of the cultural roadmap and in remembrance of lives lost.

Shared indigenous culture and performed a traditional healing dance, emphasizing the importance of supporting native teaching artists.