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DURHAM, NC · THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026 · LIBRARY

Pauli Murray: Writing the Path to Equality

Registration is appreciated but not required to attend.

Freelibrarynaturehistorytechnologyeducation

A laptop and soldering iron on a workbench, woodcut illustration

Fig. 01 — Main Auditorium, Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St)

About the event

Registration is appreciated but not required to attend.

This session introduces the life and legacy of Pauli Murray, a pioneering writer, lawyer, activist, and Durhamite whose work shaped civil rights and gender equality, with a special focus on Murray's authorship.

Join in person or stream live on Youtube if you can not join us!

https://www.youtube.com/live/KHAHY6tTeeE?si=YZhLP-tyCumGvgDb

Session will be lead by:

Angela M. Mason (nee Thorpe) is a cultural heritage leader, public historian, and scholar based in Durham, North Carolina. For a decade, she has worked to share stories of the Black Southern Experience, and to amplify histories of marginalized communities, in archives, museums, and historic sites.

Angela has experience in cultural resource management, organizational development, community programming, strategic planning, and communications. She attended the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in African American Studies. She pursued graduate studies at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where she earned a Master of Arts in History with a concentration in Museum Studies. Most recently, Mason served as the director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission. In this role, she transitioned the Commission from its position as a program of the North Carolina Arts Council to an independent division of the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. Angela’s values are rooted in community care, equity, and honesty.

Angela’s work to reconsider the social impact, and economic possibilities, of heritage resources, spaces of remembrance, and sites of impact led to her being selected as a member of Leadership Raleigh Class 43, and an inaugural cohort member of the Association of African American Museums and Howard University School of Business Advance Executive Training Program for museum leaders.

Where can I park when the Main Library parking lot is full?

Parking is available in the library parking lot or at the North Queen Street Garage located at 115 North Queen Street which is behind the apartments directly across the street from the library. Parking is free in the garage. Please bring your ticket to a service desk in the library for validation.

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BUMP Inspiration & Gospel Choir

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parks

DURHAM · 12:00 AM

Pride Paddle at Little River

The history of Little River is deeply connected to the broader story of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Durham. While Little River is a wonderful place to paddle and enjoy nature, it is also a site of profound tragedy. DPR Outdoor Recreation & Historic Programs staff wants to honor both its beauty and its significance in this important history. Come on a two-mile pride paddle with us. We will provide the equipment; you bring weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Registration is required for all. Ages: 7 yrs +,

Lifeguard Training-Durham Aquatics School

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be certified as American Red Cross Lifeguards. Course includes CPR/AED and First Aid training. Prerequisites: Participants must be at least 16 years of age. Must complete the Pre-course test on September 6, 2026 (#25093). Pre-course Test- Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest by jumping into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed). Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed). Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Ages: 16 yrs +,