The EPICenter - community development space

Please join us and help make a difference. We're raising money to benefit the Entrepreneurial Production & Innovation Center (The EPICenter), and any donation will help make an impact. Your contribution to this cause will mean so much to so many.



Since 2010, we have worked as advocates for the Black community, giving time and energy to several community development efforts.  Sadly we have witnessed an enormous gap widen as the spaces to create community have eroded.  From 2010 to 2019, we relied on storied organizations like NC Mutual, M&F Bank, and the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People for meeting space.  Most often, they graciously accommodated us without charge.  However, as the landscape and times have changed, none of these organizations currently own space to allow us and other organizations the ability to create community. 

As such, we are asking the community to join us in putting funds together to purchase and develop a community center that can serve as a community space for many organizations.  We believe that all communities should have the necessary space to grow.  The EPICenter will be a hub for problem-solving and leadership development in the Black community, creating a better community for all.   

We invite you to donate to this cause.  No amount is too small or too large.  We will feature a donor list on our website and in the EPICenter.  

Donor Levels
Founders' Club: $25,000+
Diamond Club: $10,000 - $24,999
Ruby Club: $5,000 - $9,999
Sapphire Club: $1000 - $4,999
Emerald Club: $500 - $999
Gold Club: $100 - $499
Silver Club: $50 - $99
Bronze Club: $1 - $49

Thank you very much for your consideration.  If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach us at [email redacted].    

FAQ
- Who are you and what makes you qualified to collect this money and execute in the best way?
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 looking to become an entrepreneur soon.  He is a member of a group of young adults that are looking for a place to regularly go where they can be taught leadership and problem solving skills, and gain exposure to seasoned entrepreneurs and problem solvers.   Together, we have 17 years of experience working to develop and support Black entrepreneurs, Black businesses, and the Black business ecosystem.  Over the years, we have raised $50,000 towards this effort  while investing more than $100,000 into Black businesses in the area.

- What is the EPICenter and why was it founded?
There are many problems facing the Black community in Durham and elsewhere.  While many people would like to work on finding solutions to these problems, they don't know where to go.  Too often, people are working in siloes on the same problem due to the lack of community space.  Another major problem is the lack of leadership available to tackle the many problems the 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?
Prior to this GoFundMe launch, we have raised $50,000 that will be utilized towards this effort.  As we launch this effort, we have received pledges for another $2500.  (12/12/2019)