In explosion aftermath, Durham says it’s ‘Bull City Strong,’ and birthday will go on
The city of Durham is mourning after an explosion in downtown Durham killed one person and injured 25 people.
But the community is rallying, using “Bull City Strong,” as a hashtag and in imagery, in social media posts to show support in the aftermath.
And the 150th birthday celebration that’s been in the works will go on — but with a renewed purpose. Organizers say the festivities at the American Tobacco Campus will serve as a way for the community to “be with one another in solidarity and commend the heroic actions of first responders,” according to a Thursday news release from Discover Durham, the city’s tourism bureau.
The April 10 explosion fell on the 150th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. A kickoff celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the American Tobacco Campus will still take place, Discover Durham said Thursday. Organizers said they want to have “utmost respect” for the family of Kong Lee, the owner of Kaffeinate coffee shop on Duke Street who was killed in the explosion.
Fire Chief Robert Zoldos said they “were strong when our city needed us to be strong.” The city tweeted his quote, adding “This is #publicservice. This is #Durham. This is #BullCityStrong.”
Mayor Steve Schewel and other city leaders have praised the work of first responders. Schewel said they showed “incredible courage.”
Council member Mark-Anthony Middleton said “residents and citizens should know we are Durham Strong.”
Schewel will still open the event Saturday on the stage under the Lucky Strike tower at American Tobacco. Discover Durham said he will speak “to the resilience of Durham and outpouring of community support.”
Thursday night is the home opener of the Durham Bulls. The team Twitter account said there will be a moment of silence before the baseball game “for Kong Lee, and all who were affected by yesterday’s explosion.”
Several variations of the Durham city flag have been used on social media, including in an awareness ribbon and in a heart with the words “Bull City Rebuilds.”
This story was originally published April 11, 2019 at 4:49 PM.