Community News
Community news for Grant Street is a way of keeping neighbors informed about what’s happening in and around our neighborhood—projects, events, decisions, and opportunities that impact our shared life together. It helps us stay connected, build trust, and make sure everyone has access to what they need to participate in shaping the future of our community.
Stream Restoration and Construction Around Grant Street
Grant Street Ladies’ persistent advocacy is bringing stream restoration, infrastructure improvements, and monuments honoring local residents to Grant Street. Get the latest on construction, community investment, and progress at Grant Street Park North.
Grocery Store Update: A Conversation with Blue Cross Foundation + The Heart Association
Grant Street Community and BLK South recently met with leaders working in food access, community health, and food-as-medicine initiatives to discuss the grocery store planned for the Villages of Hayti. Learn how we are working to raise $6 million—not only to help open Oasis Fresh Market, but to build a community food ecosystem that supports Black farmers, improves neighborhood health, and remains accountable to Hayti residents.
A Conversation with Ryan Smith and Sarah Viñas About Unhoused Neighbors and the Former Boys & Girls Club
Grant Street Community and BLK South recently met with Durham Community Safety Director Ryan Smith to discuss a community-centered vision for the former Boys & Girls Club and learn how Durham is supporting neighbors experiencing homelessness. Although Housing & Neighborhood Services Director Sarah Viñas was unable to attend, we look forward to continuing the conversation with her and other City and community partners.
Celebrating the 1st Annual Grant Street Community Block Party
The 1st Annual Grant Street Community Block Party brought neighbors, families, organizations, and friends together for an unforgettable day of food, music, laughter, and connection. Celebrate this beautiful milestone and the community partners who helped make it possible!
Featured in The News & Observer for Grocery Store Advocacy
Grant Street Community’s advocacy for equitable food access and a Black-owned grocery store in historic Hayti was recently featured in The News & Observer—marking the second major news feature highlighting the neighborhood’s growing campaign. The story explores how residents are working to turn research, visibility, and community knowledge into meaningful investment and lasting change.
Pollinator Garden Grant Awarded as Community Calls for Greater Transparency
Over the past several months, Grant Street neighbors have worked together to imagine a brighter future for Grant Street North Park. In this update, we share exciting news about a newly awarded Burt's Bees Foundation grant for a pollinator garden and gathering space, reflect on the importance of transparent communication with residents, and outline the next steps—including adopting the park, partnering with Durham Parks & Recreation, and advancing a resident-led vision for one of our neighborhood's most important public spaces.
How Grant Street Community Is Preparing for the Future of the Boys & Girls Club
For decades, neighbors in Durham's historic Hayti District have dreamed of bringing a Boys & Girls Club back to the community. As that vision moves closer to reality, the Grant Street Community is beginning the important work of listening, planning, and building alongside residents and partners to ensure this becomes more than a building—it becomes a lasting community asset shaped by the people it serves.
Garden Funding Received & Expansion Conversations Underway
The Grant Street Community Garden has reached an exciting milestone. With funding now in hand from the City of Durham, planning is officially underway for garden beds, soil testing, water access, and volunteer workdays. We're also exploring the possibility of expanding onto the neighboring lot to grow more food and create a vibrant gathering space for the community. Read the latest updates and see what's coming next.
A Conversation with The New York Times: When Research Is Done With Community
Grant Street Community recently sat down with The New York Times to discuss an innovative partnership with Duke University's wastewater research team and how community-driven research can help advance food justice, public health, and neighborhood development in Hayti.
The conversation explored a larger question: How can research move beyond simply studying neighborhoods to genuinely serving them? Read how trust, collaboration, and a shared vision are helping shape a new model of community-led research in Durham.