The official page of the Merrick-Moore Community Development Corporation, a non-profit organization founded in 1952 to serve the Merrick Moore community in Durham, North Carolina. MISSION STATEMENT
The Merrick-Moore Community Development Corporation, in its diverse community, exists for charitable and educational purposes, to improve the overall quality of life of the poor, underprivileged and di
senfranchised, by strengthening the bonds amongst our residents which include but are not limited to providing a forum for the sharing of information, promoting activities/events, fulfilling the community needs and through enhancing the homeowner’s property values. School
Merrick-Moore High School was named after John Merrick, an American businessman. Born into slavery in Clinton, North Carolina, Merrick founded various companies in the Raleigh, North Carolina, and Durham, North Carolina areas, most notably the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and Aaron McDuffie Moore, M.D. was the first Black medical doctor of Durham, North Carolina, USA, and a prominent leader in the African American community-based in the part of the city known as Hayti, hence came the name of the community. Merrick-Moore High School was a power in the NCHSAC for many years winning state championships and in 1964-65 won its first state championship in football. There were several who played college football and had tryouts for professional teams from this first championship team. There were other notable and nationally recognized graduates of Merrick Moore. In 1969 Merrick-Moore and all other black high schools except about six graduated their last classes with no provision being made for the preservation of their history and legacy, so it was with Merrick-Moore. and there were basketball players who played college basketball. Maude Thompson was an instrumental force in having the school located in our community, she also chose to honor two great leaders in the financial sector by naming the school after them. Church
Church Mt Zoar Missionary Baptist Church Celebrated its 145th homecoming service in 2010. Today the history dates back 156 years
Property for the first location was donated by two white families, the Spencer and Carpenter Families. Located on Fish Dam Road, now Cheek Rd, approx. 2 ½ miles east of the current location. Community
The community really began to take shape after the survey of 1947 when lots were offered to black families for $500.00. Many of the first to buy lots and build were veterans of WWII who had returned from service in 1945 and 1946. There were many families who purchased multiple lots, most being brothers, sisters, parents, and others who had come from farms before WWII. The church and school were stabilizing influences in the community. Most of the residents of the community were members of the church and all the children went to the school. Merrick Moore Ladies Club came into being during the late ’40s to early ’50s. Their purpose was through providing community service to residents who were in need. They visited the sick, cooked, and provided household chores such as cooking and cleaning until they were able to provide for themselves. They would also make monetary contributions raised through community fundraising events. The Merrick Moore Community Club comprised of the men was formed in 1952. Their focus was on community improvement through being politically engaged with city and state government. Shortly after they formed, they joined forces with the Ladies Club and incorporated and gained nonprofit status. They also were able to purchase two properties, one of which is where are currently developing as a community garden.
