– Who are you and what makes you qualified to collect this money and execute in the best way?
This effort was put together as a result of years of data and experiences compiled from community forums, roundtables, and problem-solving initiatives led by CJ Broderick, Larry C. Borders, Demetrius Cox, and other team members. CJ Broderick is the President/CEO of the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce (GDBCC) and he has worked with the GDBCC since 2010.  Larry C. Borders is the Chairman of the Board of the GDBCC and has worked with the GDBCC since 2013.  Demetrius Cox is an NCCU student and aspiring entrepreneur and community leader.  He is young adult that is regularly searching for leadership training and development.

The EPICenter team has 17 years of experience working to develop and train leaders in the Durham community. Our team is well respected in the community and has successfully implemented several community initiatives. Over the years, we have invested over $100,000 into our community and raised over $50,000. We have also led and executed more than 400 hours of leadership training and development.

– What is the EPICenter and why was it founded?
All across the world, communities are working to solve their problems. For Black communities, structural racism has made problem solving even more challenging. As Durham continues to experience economic growth, a team of nonprofit leaders noticed that giants in Durham’s Black community (NC Mutual, M&F Bank, etc.) were falling. These leaders started brainstorming how to train the next generation of community leaders and realized the importance of a space to do so.

Once upon a time, Durham was a national leader in Black community development. As those days have faded, it is time for us to come together to work towards our mutual interests and perhaps inspire the nation again. We imagine that there are many people would like to work on finding solutions to community problems, but simply don’t know where to go.  Let’s avoid working in silos on the same problems due to the lack of community space.  Let’s train new leaders to overcome the lack of leadership available to tackle the many problems our community is facing.  The EPICenter was founded to solve these two major problems by providing a space where leadership and development training can regularly occur with a focus on addressing the problems the community faces. 

– Why do you think having a space will solve the problems of the community?
There’s an old saying that two heads are better than one.  We believe that healthy exchange of information, ideas, best methods and practices, and history is essential to problem-solving and community growth and development.  Too often, those that have knowledge to share and those looking for wisdom don’t have the space to do so.   A community space allows for the regular exchange of ideas that can readily strengthen the community and provide necessary solutions. 

– Are there other examples of spaces that do this well that serve as a framework for success?
Most universities have Black community centers that provide a great framework for the necessity of this space.  At Duke, there’s the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture.  At UNC, there’s the Sonja Hanes Stone Center for Black Culture.  We need more of these centers throughout our cities and not just at universities.  Much like boys and girls clubs are designed to help young people grow to reach their full potential, there is value in community spaces that are designed to solve communal issues through entrepreneurial leadership and development training.  

– Why does the Black community need this?
Durham’s Black community has a history of being highly regarded as a model for Black America.  Companies like NC Mutual and M&F Bank helped Durham earn the popular “Black Wall Street” name.  However, through integration and urban renewal, the community has been stretched apart.  The community needs a unifying force that can unite us regardless of which church we attend, which fraternity or sorority we pledged, which school we attended, and which athletes/entertainers we believe are the best.  We need a gathering place that can synchronize our talents and showcase the power of our unity.   

– Who are the immediate benefactors?
The immediate benefactors of the EPICenter will include the many Black-led, Black-focused organizations in the area that don’t have a permanent home, the many citizens that want to participate in problem solving, and many students and young adults looking for a place to go to connect with leaders from whom they can learn and grow. 

– Where will these funds go explicitly?
These funds will explicitly be utilized solely for the acquisition and renovation of a property that will serve as The EPICenter.  

– What have you already collected to get to this goal?
Please follow our GoFundMe campaign to get up to date information on how much we have raised.