The Merrick-Moore Community: A Legacy of Resilience, Heritage & Empowerment

The Merrick-Moore Community, originally the Millie Rone Hall Estate on the Roane Plantation, runs along Cheek Road (formerly Fish Dam Road). Officially developed in 1947 by V.F. Pope and H.L. Noell, the first Black family built their home in 1940.

Many early residents were WWII veterans released from service between 1945–1946, with families often purchasing multiple lots. Many came from farms and built a tight-knit community.

The community is named after Merrick-Moore High School (built in 1950), named for John Merrick, founder of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, and Dr. Aaron McDuffie Moore, Durham’s first Black medical doctor.

The Merrick-Moore Community Development Corporation was created to uplift underprivileged residents, foster communication, host events, support community needs, and enhance property values.

Core values include community service, activism, teamwork, loyalty, respect, and trust. The organization is proud of its enduring legacy of resilience, heritage, and empowerment.