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healthcare and social enterprises. To the disenfranchised
African American community, "he emerges from the history of Black Durham as a Messiah moving quietly among the people, giving aid and comfort". Race relations in Durham also improved following Moore's leadership in the African-American business movement, which ushered in an age of cooperation between Black and White business leaders. His partnership with the Euro-American community in social projects such as the Lincoln Hospital also served to forge stronger bonds between the two races. Today, the Lincoln Hospital is remembered as "a monument of spirit of racial cooperation". Moore also spoke strongly against Jim Crow and racial discrimination.
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served Durham's
African-American community with dignity and excellence. While the pharmacy never made much of a profit, earning profits was not Moore's chief goal. Instead, he made his priority the provision of affordable drugs to the Negro community. He believed that the "Negro business movement" was a means to achieve racial self-fulfillment. He became involved in numerous other black business ventures in Durham following this maiden enterprise. Through this work, Moore established strong relationships with significant figures such as John Merrick, with whom he would later found the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company.
228:, in 1893 and 1894. During the meeting, each man pledged $ 50 to the association. They agreed to draw up a charter for the business, to be "presented as a bill before the State Assembly" in January 1899. With the charter approved, North Carolina Mutual and Provident Association opened for business on April 1, 1899. Moore served as its treasurer and medical director, albeit without salary or remuneration. In addition, Moore agreed to rent out a part of his office to the association for $ 2 a month, a sign of his commitment to the Black community served by the association.
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continued to thrive in tandem with North
Carolina Mutual, a "robust business district in downtown Durham" was developed, becoming what became known as the Black Wall Street. The Black business movement contributed significantly to Durham's race relations; while there was interracial friction in other cities, Durham's Euro-Americans tolerated and some supported its Black businessmen, as their progress benefited the city as a whole. Moore was thus a key figure who not only stimulated growth in Durham, but also brought social progress to the city.
115:. Moore was also instrumental to the incorporation of North Carolina Mutual Life Company, which became the largest black-owned business in the country, and the improvement of North Carolina's rural school education. Through philanthropic works and business enterprises, Moore played a significant role in improving the standard of living of African Americans in Durham. He also overcame racial discrimination, bridging the White and Black communities in Durham in addition to improving its healthcare and economy.
127:, to Israel Moore and Anna Eliza Spaulding Moore. Since the early nineteenth century, the Moore family, of African, Native American and European descent had owned land in Columbus County as free farmers. Like his nine siblings: 4 boys and 5 girls, Aaron Moore alternated between working on the family farm (during the harvesting and planting seasons) and attending the segregated county school. Upon completing 8th grade, Moore became a teacher at the same county school. He entered Whitin Normal School, in
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that
African Americans needed insurance services. He also believed strongly that North Carolina Mutual was accountable to the Negro community, and that "to desert their policy holders was to discredit their people". Moore and Merrick bought the shares of withdrawing members. For African-American businessmen like Moore, the purpose of business enterprises extended beyond profit; more importantly, it was a means to improve the conditions of the African-American community.
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were so eager for schools that they often taxed themselves. In order to stimulate school involvement, he proposed that schools must "put down dollar for dollar for its own improvements". Following Moore's success, the state of North
Carolina took over his work while the North Carolina Teachers' Association made him the Secretary-Treasurer of its Rural School Extension Department, a position he served until 1922.
160:. Completing the prescribed 4 years of medical education in 3 years, Aaron Moore came before the Medical Examiners of the State of North Carolina in 1888. He passed the examinations and ranked second among the 46 candidates, 30 of whom were white. Having been certified as a Doctor of Medicine, Dr. Moore decided to practice in
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L. Warren branch of the Durham County Public
Library on January 17, 1940. Besides improving the rural school system for Blacks in North Carolina, Moore also formed the Volkemenia and Shubert-Shakespeare clubs, which were created to provide African Americans with access to concerts, speakers and reading sessions.
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for Negros be added to the city hospital, Moore rejected the idea, as
African-American medical doctors and nurses would not be permitted to work at the hospital. With Merrick's help, Moore "raised $ 25,000 in the black community and $ 100,000 in the white community", $ 75,000 of which was contributed by the
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Under Moore's leadership, the hospital served patients regardless of their ability to pay. It gained an increase in patronage and by 1914, added a new wing. Recognizing the need to train
African-American nurses, Moore set up the associated Lincoln Hospital Training School of Nursing in 1903. In 1923,
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Moore advocated education in the
African-American community. Besides serving on the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, Shaw University, Moore was also one of the largest donors to the school. He also established a library in Durham to serve the African-American community, which became the Stanford
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Based on funding from both the black and white communities, the
Lincoln Hospital was a symbol of racial cooperation and unity for a common purpose. Moore's success in rallying such White support was remarkable in an era of racial discrimination and segregation. With his reputation for competence, he
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Through North Carolina Mutual, Moore also contributed to economic prosperity of the black community in Durham. Inspired by his success, other African-American leaders began to enter business, founding the Mechanics and Farmers Bank in 1907 and Mutual Community Savings Bank in 1921. As black business
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Moore assumed the vacated position of secretary while his nephew, C. C. Spaulding, promoted the sale of insurance policies. The partnership between Moore, Spaulding and Merrick as President transformed North Carolina Mutual and Provident Association into a strong enterprise. In 1919, the association
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in 1901. Earlier in 1895, the Watts Hospital was completed, but its services were offered only to Whites. Recognizing the needs of the African American community, Moore proposed the construction of a hospital in 1898 to serve the African-American community. While some suggested that a separate wing
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Dr. Aaron Moore rooted North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company in its "commitment to service", bringing much needed insurance services to the African American community in Durham. The access to reliable insurance services ensured that individuals could afford necessary treatment and healthcare
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of Chicago to aid the construction of rural schools, especially for African-American children, as their schools were underfunded. The Fund's contributions were based on matching monies raised by local communities, and also required a commitment by white-run school boards. African-American parents
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Moore is remembered as an individual who "transcended his times" for his ability to stand as equals with Euro-American leaders. Capitalizing on this high ground, he improved standards of living for the African American community in Durham and North Carolina through his contributions to education,
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From 1914 until his death in 1923, Moore concentrated on improving rural schools for African-American children. He hired George W. Davis, North Carolina's first rural school inspector, at his own expense. Moore wanted to document the condition of the poor rural schools. Moore raised money for the
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By 1900, the association was in a precarious financial position as claims increased. In response, Moore and John Merrick used personal funds to meet the company's obligations. The other incorporators were unwilling to fund the deficit and, by July 1900, withdrew from the company. Moore understood
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In 1895 Moore began to invest in new black-owned businesses, to enable the community to develop its own skilled educated class and provide jobs for them. The Durham Drug Company was the first of his many ventures. The pharmacy gave young African-American pharmacists an opportunity to practice and
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to further his education. These institutions were both focused on teacher training, as education was considered key for freedmen's progress and there was an effort to develop black teachers for segregated schools across the state. However, after completing his first term at the latter, Moore was
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Moore was recognized as a Main Honoree by the Sesquicentennial Honors Commission at the Durham 150 Closing Ceremony in Durham, NC on November 2, 2019. The posthumous recognition was bestowed upon 29 individuals "whose dedication, accomplishments and passion have helped shape Durham in important
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These people in the main have not had enough schooling either to fit them for the demands of urban life or to make them content in the rural districts. The consequence is that a large percentage of them recruit the criminal class in the towns or remain in the rural districts as discouraged and
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Moore's most significant achievement was the Lincoln Hospital, which contributed greatly to healthcare in Durham and improved life in the African-American community. By establishing the Lincoln School of Nursing, Moore ensured a system to provide healthcare personnel for black Durham citizens.
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Moore was in a campaign marked by racial discrimination, as were many in those years. Euro-Americans were still trying to maintain dominance; by the end of the century while in control of the state legislature, they passed a constitution that essentially disfranchised blacks, a situation that
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With his personal experience in a rural school, Moore worked to improve these, which were typically underfunded by white local and state school authorities in the segregated system. Moore wrote about the need to improve rural schools in an April 26, 1915, letter to a state official:
266:. The Dukes' contributed based on Moore's advocating for the hospital's merit, and because of their close relationship with Merrick. Moore directed the construction of Lincoln Hospital and oversaw its completion in 1901. He served as its Superintendent until his death in 1923.
317:… At present the appropriations by the Durham County Board average twice as much for each white child enrolled as for each colored child. Doubtless, the same discrimination is a common practice in all of the counties of the state in a greater or less degree.
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was renamed North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. When Merrick died that year, Moore assumed presidency of North Carolina Mutual until his death in 1923. As President, Moore was insistent that the Company stayed true to the purpose of its founding:
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commanded the attention of White leaders and spoke to them as equals. Some whites considered their contributions a kind of thanks for what they saw as Black support during the Civil War. The following was inscribed at the entrance of the Lincoln Hospital:
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persisted until federal legislation of the mid-1960s to enforce constitutional rights for minorities. Dismayed by the antagonism, Moore withdrew from the campaign and settled for supporting candidates who served the Durham community's interest.
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nonproductive constituents... This failure on the part of the rural schools has become more apparent in recent years than before. In a rough way, the lessening of interest in the rural school and its problems has been coincidental with the
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In October 1898, Moore, John Merrick and six other African-American men gathered in Moore's office to organize an insurance association. They were inspired by similar associations organized by African-Americans in
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Moore became interested in politics and was nominated for the office of coroner of Durham County in 1888. However, his campaign was met with much resistance from the white community, as shown by coverage in the
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84:(September 6, 1863 – April 29, 1923) was a medical doctor, medical director, and officer at a bank, hospital, pharmacy, university and insurer serving African Americans in North Carolina. He was born in
197:: "White men of Durham, those who have any respect for the Anglo-Saxon race, will you fail your duty on the 6th of November? Will you allow Negro rule or a white man's government?"
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when he died, Moore bequeathed three properties to the hospital, an endowment to be used to generate income to fund students of the Lincoln Hospital Training School of Nursing.
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411:. North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company Archives, ca. 1885–2008 and undated, Box 31. David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Duke University.
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Lincoln Hospital has since been absorbed as part of the Duke Regional Hospital, following its merger with Watts Hospital in 1976.
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With grateful appreciation and loving remembrance of the fidelity and faithfulness of the Negro slaves to the Mothers and
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156:, intending to become a professor. But, encouraged by his teachers who saw his promise, Moore entered the University's
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Today a historic marker stands on 1201 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, North Carolina to honor the contributions of Moore.
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Who's who of the Colored Race: A General Biographical Dictionary of Men and Women of African Descent
808:. Lincoln Health Center, Durham, N.C: Southern Oral History Program: Interview K0137 by Kaplan Ann.
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Black Business in the New South: A Social History of the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance
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Durham Tales: The Morris Street Maple, the Plastic Cow, the Durham Day that was & More
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Upbuilding Black Durham: Gender, Class and Black Community Development in Jim Crow South
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Biographical Sketches of E. R. Merrick and Aaron McDuffie Moore (circa 1967 and undated)
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286:, during the Civil War, this institution was founded by one of the Fathers and Sons.
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723:"North Carolina Mutual – Building a Future Legacy Upon a Foundation of Tradition"
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491:. Durham and London: Duke University Press. pp. 29–30, 46–49, 52, 56, 223.
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There was a larger truth… if the Company cannot live on truth, then let her go.
840:. Lincoln Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, Inc. Archived from
826:. Duke Medical Center Library, Durham, N.C.: Interview by Roseberry Jessica.
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Mitchell, Louis D. (August 1980). "Aaron McDuffie Moore: He Led His Sheep".
521:. Durham: Duke University Press. pp. 212, 219, 221–222, 281, 286–287.
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Ambitious beyond farming, Moore enrolled in 1885 in the newly established
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612:. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. pp. 35, 118.
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in North Carolina. They had a family together, including daughter
111:, a medical facility that served Negro patients during a time of
625:"The Role of Fathers in the Lives of Black Women of Achievement"
582:. North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. Archived from
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Willie, Charles V.; Lane, Jolene A. (Autumn–Winter 2001).
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Aaron McDuffie Moore was born on September 6, 1863, in
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696:. Detroit: Wayne State University Press. p. 70.
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He was the first African-American medical doctor of
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172:In 1889, Moore married Cottie S. Dancy, niece of
136:summoned home by his father to help on the farm.
103:community based in the part of the city known as
694:Sands against the Wind: Memoirs of John C. Dancy
533:"History Beneath Our Feet: Aaron McDuffie Moore"
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785:. Arcadia Publishing. pp. 13, 15, 69.
303:Rural school movement for African Americans
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519:The Story of Durham: city of the new South
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1029:People from Bladen County, North Carolina
940:Moore, Aaron McDuffie (October 6, 1915).
925:Moore, Aaron McDuffie (April 26, 1915).
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955:Merrick, E. R. (Mrs.) (June 20, 1968).
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804:Schmidt, Evelyn (February 9, 1999).
681:. The History Press. pp. 68–69.
998:Durham 150 Closing Ceremony Program
866:Spaulding, Asa T. (July 18, 1968).
131:, followed by the Normal School at
1059:People from Durham, North Carolina
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822:Halperin, Edward (May 29, 2007).
781:Reynolds, Pamela Preston (2001).
666:. Arcadia Publishing. p. 89.
326:, established by philanthropist
1034:Physicians from North Carolina
707:Moore, Aaron McDuffie (1920).
517:Boyd, William Kenneth (1925).
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692:Dancy, John Campbell (1966).
205:Self-help business enterprise
176:, a leading African-American
942:Letter to Charles H. Fearing
755:"Durham's Black Wall Street"
284:Daughters of the Confederacy
1039:African-American physicians
973:. Markeroni. Archived from
971:"Aaron McDuffie Moore, M.D"
904:"Stanford L. Warren Branch"
245:services in times of need.
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535:. Museum of Durham History
150:historically black college
86:Whiteville, North Carolina
82:Aaron McDuffie Moore, M.D.
783:Durham's Lincoln Hospital
664:Durham: A Bull City Story
294:Contribution to education
125:Rosindale, North Carolina
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884:. Duke Regional Hospital
119:Early life and education
1049:Shaw University faculty
906:. Durham County Library
560:. Durham County Library
1044:Shaw University alumni
728:. LOMA. Archived from
608:Brown, Leslie (2008).
347:Posthumous recognition
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158:Leonard Medical School
140:Leonard Medical School
97:Durham, North Carolina
90:Durham, North Carolina
487:Weare, W. B. (1993).
558:"Dr. Aaron M. Moore"
322:schools through the
23:Aaron McDuffie Moore
586:on 27 December 2013
168:Marriage and family
677:Wise, Jim (2008).
662:Wise, Jim (2002).
257:Moore founded the
226:Richmond, Virginia
182:Lyda Moore Merrick
113:racial segregation
16:American physician
1054:Medical examiners
844:on 8 January 2014
210:Early involvement
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65:(1923-04-29)
1024:1923 deaths
1019:1863 births
910:25 November
848:17 November
761:17 November
264:Duke family
1013:Categories
981:4 November
888:4 November
757:. Learn NC
739:4 November
590:30 October
564:30 October
539:30 October
447:The Crisis
356:References
178:Republican
72:Occupation
44:1863-09-06
957:Interview
868:Interview
838:"History"
449:: 248–56.
129:Lumberton
52:Rosindale
791:47953131
188:Politics
649:3132629
374:. 1915.
352:ways."
154:Raleigh
927:Letter
789:
709:Speech
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629:Phylon
335:Legacy
162:Durham
75:Doctor
733:(PDF)
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