For 109 years, the Mechanics & Farmers Bank has been a staple in the Durham community. Founder of N.C. Central University, James E. Shepard, had a hand in developing the bank into what it is today. Originally located on Durham’s Parrish Street, the Mechanics & Farmers Bank was an intricate part of Black Wall Street. Mechanics & Farmers Bank provided African Americans opportunities in Durham that weren’t available during the Great Depression.