Bulls, Buzz Sports Radio to Honor Business for Breaking Barriers

DURHAM, NC - As the Durham Bulls honor 25 former Negro League players at Saturday's game, the club will also recognize six Durhamites and local businesses for "Breaking Barriers." The program is sponsored by Buzz Sports Radio and Coastal Credit Union.
"The African American community has a unique and rich history in Durham," said Buzz Sports Radio host Erroll Reese. "Dr. King said 'We are not makers of history. We are made by history.' We are honoring this select group that shaped the Bull City."

• Lincoln Memorial Hospital opened its doors in 1901 as the primary African American hospital in Durham. Lincoln expanded educational opportunities for African Americans in healthcare at a time where few opportunities existed.

• Wheeler Airlines, founded by Warren Wheeler in 1969, was the first African American owned airline certified in the United States by the FAA.

• NC Mutual Life Insurance Company is one of the most influential African American businesses in US history. Founded in 1898 in Durham, it is still the oldest African American life insurance company in the country.

• Irwin Holmes was the first African American student-athlete at North Carolina State University. In 1960, Mr. Holmes became the first African American student to receive an undergraduate degree from NC State.

• Mechanics & Farmers Bank, North Carolina's oldest African American bank started over 110 years ago. Currently known as M&F Bank, it is the 2nd oldest minority-owned bank in the US.

• Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center is the fifth-oldest black funeral home in the country. The firm was started in 1881 to ensure that African Americans received dignity in death.

Durham Bulls broadcasts are heard on Buzz Sports Radio, also founded in Durham, in 1934.
Tickets for Saturday's game can be purchased here.