Negro Durham Marches On: Remembering the Roots of Black Enterprise

There’s nothing quite like knowing the history behind why Black businesses played such a vital role during the Industrial Revolution, a story of strength, vision, and unity that continues to shape the world we build today.

Earlier this month, Steele Studios joined forces with Kee Zamastil, creator of Juke Joint: The People’s Party, for an evening of reflection and creativity. Together, we viewed the 1950s documentary “Negro Durham Marches On” a powerful tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit that once defined Durham’s vibrant Hayti community.

Photography: Zaid Steele

Originally filmed in 1948, this rare piece of history captures a moment when Black excellence thrived in the face of limitation. The film offers a glimpse into bustling storefronts, elegant social scenes, and business leaders who turned resilience into prosperity. Hayti stood as a living example of what could be achieved when community and commerce moved with one heartbeat a city within a city, rooted in purpose and pride.

Photography: Zaid Steele