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Durham leaders name new affordable housing project after inspirational pioneer Joyce Nichols

Durham housing and development leaders celebrated the half way point for a new affordable housing complex in downtown. The event highlighted the contributions of a pioneering black woman for whom the complex is now named after an unveiling ceremony.

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By
Rick Armstrong
, WRAL photojournalist
DURHAM, N.C. — Durham housing and development leaders on Thursday celebrated the halfway point for a new affordable housing complex in downtown.

The event highlighted the contributions of a pioneering Black woman for whom the complex is now named after.

Joyce Thorpe was a tenant at the infamous McDougald Terrace in the late 1960s. She was evicted without reason and sued the state of North Carolina. Her case made it up to the U.S. Supreme Court. While waiting for a hearing, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a rule that stated anyone evicted from subsided housing had to be given a clear reason. Through the proceedings, Thorpe remained in her apartment at McDougald Terrace despite the eviction notice, according to a summary of the court records from Oyez.

Her efforts are seen as a landmark for tenants rights in North Carolina and across the U.S.

"She was a fired up pioneer, worker, spokesman," said her son, Will Thorpe, at the unveiling ceremony.

The Joyce will open in spring of 2023 as an affordable senior housing community.

The Durham Housing Authority partnered with development company Laurel Street Residential to build this complex.

"By taking her concern about the rights of residents all the way to the Supreme Court where she won a case that gave rights to all residents throughout the United States, Dan Hudgins, chairman of the DHA Board of Commissioners said,

The $19 million, 80-unit complex is just the beginning, according to Anthony Scott, CEO of the Durham Housing Authority.

"The beginning of a $600-million dollar redevelopment plan of our public housing community in downtown," Scott said.

The project also includes renovating the J.J. Henderson building beside The Joyce. Will Thorpe said he sees it as his mother's gift to Durham seniors.

"I know that she would say that she appreciates everything that’s been done and d to everyone that’s been involved to keep up the good work," he said.

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