Durham approves more funding for Bull City United anti-violence group
A violence intervention program in Durham is getting another round of funding.
Durham County commissioners voted unanimously Monday night to continue supporting "Bull City United," an anti-violence group which includes former gang members and holds thousands of conflict mediations each year.
The organization's budget has increased five-fold since it started in 2016, but it received criticism from the community after several crimes involving its members.
Bull City United is described in its mission statement as "North Carolina’s first anti-gun violence group" and "a community-based effort to reduce gun violence."
According to its website, Bull City United currently employs 22 team members, including two program managers, six outreach workers and 14 violence interrupters.
City council recently approved $1 million for the program to expand to four key areas of Durham and to more hire staff. The county on Monday looked at continuing its portion of the funding of more than $935,000.
Bull City United aims to stop the cycle of shootings and retaliations through street outreach, conflict mediation and social support.
A report shows the group conducted more than 2,000 conflict mediations in 2022. However, Bull City United received criticism from the community after one member received drug charges and another was killed from a targeted shooting.
Durham County commissioners will discuss the matter at Monday's meeting at 6 p.m.
