DURHAM — February 24, 1996 - 11:35 a.m. EST

Several Durham organizations teamed up this weekend to sponsor the city's first Black History Month March.

Kenneth Spaulding, chairman of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People points out that the march was a celebration of history and unity in the African-American community. It was not, he said, a march of "complaining".

Spaulding's organization was the main force behind Saturday's march and rally.

Reverend Curtis Gatewood, head of the Durham NAACP says he thinks Saturday's march shows that people are ready to work together for the community.

As it was with the Million Man March on Washington, D.C., organizers hope this one helped to impart a positive message to participants.

"I believe community leaders think there's an awakening that is occurring," Gatewood said.

Several groups, including mosques, churches and the NAACP cooperated with area schools and businesses to present speakers and a variety of events Saturday. Issues such as combating violence and supporting education were addressed.

The march ran from Duke and Chapel Hill Streets to the N.C. Central University administration building