Merrick-Moore Community Development Corporation
Our Mission
The Merrick-Moore CDC, in its diverse community, exists for charitable and educational purposes, to improve the overall quality of life for the poor, underprivileged, and disenfranchised by strengthening the bonds among our residents.
Our History
The Merrick-Moore Community, originally the Millie Rone Hall Estate on the Roane Plantation, runs along Cheek Road (which was “Fish Dam Road”). Our community was officially developed by V.F Pope and H.L Noell in 1947, with the first Black family to purchase land and build a home in 1940.
Many of the first residents to purchase lots and build were veterans of WWII who were released from the duty of service between 1945 – 1946. There were many families who purchased multiple lots, most being brothers, sisters, parents and others who had come from farms before the war.
Durham City Council Resolution Recognizing Merrick-Moore as a Durham Heritage Community
We’re honored to share that the Merrick-Moore Community has been named the first Black Legacy Community by the City of Durham’s Heritage Communities project! This milestone celebrates the neighborhood’s rich history and lasting contributions to our city.
Thanks to months of research, interviews, and community collaboration, a historic marker now stands in Merrick-Moore, preserving the stories and legacy of this remarkable neighborhood for generations to come. You can see the marker on-site at Mount Zoar Baptist Church.
Samuel Green Sr. Community Garden
& Food Forest
Merrick-Moore community is steeped in the tradition of inground gardening. Many of the original residents were born from a life of sharecropping. Gardens were a lot of work but brought a great sense of pride in having neatly planted rows that were weed-free and produced an abundance of food to feed your family and others. My father’s mantra was to plant more than you need so that you have enough to share with those in need.
(written by Bonita Green, MMCDC president)
MMCDC PROJECTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out the upcoming MMCDC events and volunteer opportunities. To stay up to date on what we’re doing and how you can get involved, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter!
OUR PARTNERS
Get in touch!
Contact us for anything you want to know. We are happy to answer any questions you have, as quickly as possible.
