A lifetime of service by one of Durham’s native sons, Floyd B. McKissick, Sr., is now depicted in an exhibit at Durham Technical Community College in the D. Thomas Jaynes Art Gallery on the College’s Main Campus on Lawson Street. We recently partnered with Durham Tech to install a satellite exhibit of The Life & Legacy of Floyd B. McKissick Sr. exhibit, coinciding with the school’s annual MLK Day celebration. The exhibit is available for public viewing on the first floor of the Phail Wynn, Jr. Student Services Center and Book Store.

Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton had seen the original exhibit when it opened at the Museum of Durham History in November 2022. Some months later, while attending a house tour in East Durham, Buxton connected with the Musuem’s Chair of its Board of Directors Bob Ashley and an idea was conceived. Since elements of The Life and Legacy of Floyd B. McKissick, Sr. exhibit were installed at North Carolina Central University’s Turner Law School and the Hayti Heritage Center, it made perfect sense to bring the exhibit to Durham Tech.

Unveiled on January 12 at Durham Tech’s 39^th annual celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the exhibit represents the inspiring life and career of Floyd B. McKissick, Sr. who worked alongside Dr. King in the civil rights movement.

Fittingly, the keynote speaker at the celebration was The Hon. Floyd B. McKissick, Jr., who delivered a master class on landmark dates in uniquely African American history, the important legislation that emerged from those times, and why we are charged to continue our journeys as agents of change.

The McKissick Exhibit will remain installed at Durham Tech until April and is open to the public. Durham Tech students have been especially invited to see and experience the exhibit and create a visual expression of their concept of legacy. Those works will be installed in the Jaynes Gallery, with the McKissick Exhibit, and featured at a special reception on February 27.

For questions or to arrange group tours at Durham Tech, please contact Director of Development Liz McFarlane at mcfarlanee@durhamtech.edu or 919-495-8257.