PHOTOS: Bourbon & Bow Ties Brings Durham Leaders, Legacy and Community Together
DURHAM, N.C. — Bow ties were sharp, bourbon was flowing, and familiar faces from across Durham and North Carolina filled Mystic Farm & Distillery as the 7th Annual Bourbon & Bow Ties brought together politics, public service, and community on Friday, Sept. 25.
But for those who weren’t in the room, Spectacular Magazine is taking you inside the evening with an extensive photo gallery captured by photographer Lawrence Davis III.
Hosted by North Carolina Rep. Zack Hawkins, the annual gathering offered plenty for the crowd to celebrate — including the legacy of former Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell, milestone anniversaries for three Durham service organizations, and remarks from North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls.
Durham Past and Present Come Together
One photograph from the evening tells much of the story.
Hawkins is pictured alongside Henry M. “Mickey” Michaux Jr., the longest-serving member in North Carolina House history and the longtime representative of the same Durham district Hawkins now serves; former Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell; and current Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams. With the Bourbon & Bow Ties backdrop behind them, the photograph captures generations of Durham political leadership in a single frame.
That image is also our choice for the feature photo because the night was about more than a political fundraiser. Bourbon & Bow Ties has become an annual gathering where elected officials, community leaders, advocates, supporters, and longtime friends reconnect in a decidedly more relaxed setting.
Held at Mystic Farm & Distillery in Durham, the evening mixed conversation and camaraderie with recognition of people and organizations whose work has helped shape the community.
Bill Bell Honored for Decades of Durham Leadership
A centerpiece of the evening was the recognition of former Durham Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell for his decades of public service.
Bell served as a Durham County commissioner before becoming mayor of Durham, a position he held for multiple terms. Friday’s recognition put the spotlight on that long record of civic leadership and his enduring place in Durham’s public life.
The event’s official program specifically honored Bell’s public service.
For many in attendance, the tribute also provided an opportunity to celebrate Bell surrounded by people who have worked with him, learned from him, or watched Durham change during his years in leadership.
Three Durham Organizations Receive Community Impact Awards
Bourbon & Bow Ties also turned the spotlight toward three organizations with deep roots in Durham.
The Community Impact Award recognized the Durham (NC) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, celebrating 105 years; the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, celebrating 85 years; and the Beta Pi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, celebrating 75 years.
Together, the milestones represent 265 years of combined organizational history — and generations of service, leadership and community involvement.
Representatives from the organizations were among those recognized during the evening.
Justice Anita Earls Featured at Annual Gathering
North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls joined the event as its featured guest speaker, another highlight of the program confirmed by the event’s official listing.
The gathering also served as a political fundraiser for Hawkins. In promoting the event, Hawkins said resources raised through his campaign are also used to support Democratic candidates in competitive districts across North Carolina.
Beyond the fundraising, however, Friday evening had the feel of a Durham reunion — with conversations happening throughout the venue and plenty of familiar faces stopping long enough for Davis’ camera.
Were You There? Find Yourself in Our Bourbon & Bow Ties Gallery
And that’s where our coverage really begins.
Lawrence Davis III captured more than 200 photographs from Bourbon & Bow Ties, documenting the honorees, elected officials, organization representatives, and guests — along with the candid moments that tell the story of the evening.
If you attended, you just might be in the gallery.
Scroll through Spectacular Magazine’s complete Bourbon & Bow Ties photo gallery below and see who you recognize.