What Bill Bell Means to Me - And Durham

This weekend, Durham Success Summit, will proudly present the Bill Bell Public Leadership Award, a scholarship bestowed to a young man who exemplifies the ideals and values championed by former Mayor Bill Bell. This meaningful tradition, now in its second year, honors the enduring legacy of a man who transformed Durham, and it is a tradition we hope to continue for a very long time.

Fittingly, this month, the city of Durham paid tribute to Mayor Bell in a way that speaks volumes about his influence, renaming Vivian Street to William V. Bell Way.  It’s a symbolic act, yes, but also a deeply profound one, celebrating a leader who’s quiet strength and transformative vision, has done a great deal to shape Durham’s identity, and expand the horizons of its people.  Through many decades of leadership, he transformed Durham from a city of boarded-up streets to a thriving, dynamic hub of opportunity and culture. But even more remarkable than the skyline he helped reshape, what stands tallest is the spirit of inclusivity and progress he instilled in every corner of our city. Bill Bell’s journey is not just one of titles or achievements; it’s a narrative of perseverance, service, and an unshakable belief in the promise of Durham and its people.

At 31 he became one of the youngest County Commissioners in our city’s history, bringing a blend of youthful energy and innovative thinking to public service. As an IBM engineer, he combined technical precision with visionary thinking and proved to be a calming force behind major projects, traits he carried into his public life. And then, of course, came his tenure as Durham’s longest tenured mayor, a chapter of leadership that we celebrate tonight.

When Mayor Bell took office in 2001, downtown Durham was, as some described, a “place you drove through, not to.”  A far cry from the vibrant hub we know today, it was a collection of shuttered warehouses and abandoned storefronts.  But he saw something else, a canvas waiting for just the right artist, and now, through his unwavering leadership, it has blossomed into a national model of urban revitalization, driven by over $1.7 billion in public and private investments.  Landmarks such as the American Tobacco Campus and the Durham Performing Arts Center now stand as enduring symbols of his belief to “…create an environment where people want to be.”

And while it is certainly true that Mayor Bell’s brick and mortar contributions are worthy of a grand celebration, his most enduring legacy lives in his commitment to people. As chairman of the Durham County Board of Commissioners in 1992, he championed the merger of the city and county school systems, a bold move that planted the seeds for greater educational equity.  As mayor, he tirelessly advocated for minority-owned businesses, nurtured entrepreneurs, and worked to dismantle the systematic and entrenched barriers faced by Black residents.

And through it all, his humility remains his hallmark.  Spend five minutes with Mayor Bell and the first thing you’ll notice is that he doesn’t need to raise his voice to be heard. His presence commands attention, not through volume, but through the weight of his words.

I recall a recent lunch with him at one of his favorite local spots. The moment we entered, the room seemed to shift. A waitress, upon seeing him, lit up, her face breaking into a warm and bright smile, as wide as the promise of our city. She greeted him with an enthusiastic, “Hi, Mayor Bell!” Though years had passed since his tenure, her elation spoke volumes about the indelible mark he has left on this community.

For me, Bill Bell isn’t just a historical figure, he is a personal role model and professional inspiration.  Even in casual moments, like our recent lunch, his legacy precedes him. Sure, our residents remember him because of the positions he’s held, but they revere him for his transformative vision and his unwavering dedication to the people of Durham. The affection our waitress displayed for Mayor Bell that afternoon was as fresh as the first day he stepped into office. His arrival infused her with an unexpected joy, while I got a rather modest “Oh, and hi to you too,” which, if I’m being honest, felt just about right.

As we settled into our seats, he extended a hand for a handshake, but I leaned in for a hug, because sometime handshakes (like words) don’t seem like a big enough gesture for someone who has given so much of himself for this community.  Such is the gravity of his presence.  Even in the most unassuming moments, the most casual of settings, his legacy announces itself like the rolling thunder of a North Carolina summer storm.  People see the lasting imprint of his work etched deeply into their lives and into the fabric of this city. Bill Bell is a man whose legacy speaks not in statues or street signs, but in the lives he’s touched, the futures he’s shaped, and the enduring hope he’s inspired.

While Mayor Bell’s contributions to this community are far too numerous for me to list in full, they all share a common thread - a dedication to inclusive growth. Under his stewardship, downtown Durham emerged for a post-industrial decline to become a beacon of growth and innovation. Mayor Bell was unyielding in his commitment that economic development extended beyond infrastructure and included investment to uplift lives and expand opportunities. He did this to ensure that Durham’s growth included opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, minority-owned businesses, and historically underrepresented communities.

One of our core values at The Durham Success Summit is put the youth of our community in a position to be “…the drivers of change, not just the beneficiaries.” In many ways, Mayor Bell embodies this ideal.  His leadership, rooted in vision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to this city, reminds us all of what is possible when we lead with purpose. This Saturday evening, as we honor his legacy and the award that bears his name, we also celebrate the countless lives he’s impacted, the communities he’s strengthened, and the city he’s transformed.  Mayor Bell’s story isn’t just a part of Durham’s history, it’s a guiding light for its future.

Thank you, Mayor Bell, for showing us what leadership looks like when it’s driven by heart, guided by vision, and rooted in the belief that Durham’s best days are always ahead.