In 1898, life insurance was unattainable for most Black folks in the U.S. John H. Merrick transformed that reality, building the multimillion dollar North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company in Durham's historic Hayti community. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Merrick's death in 1919.
Imari Scarbrough
Imari Scarbrough is a freelance journalist in North Carolina. She covers a variety of topics, researching historical events, writing public service and investigative journalism, and more. Her work has appeared in Carolina Public Press, The Anson Record, The Robesonian, The Stanly News and Press, The Black Mountain News and others. You can follow her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ImariScarbrough or visit her website at imarijournal.com.