Day 22: Remembering Local History during Black History Month Benjamin Sylvester Ruffin Jr. was an African American civil rights activist, educator and businessman. He grew up in Durham, North Carolina, where he began his work as an activist, assuming numerous leadership positions within organizations that ensured social justice and access to opportunities for African Americans. Ruffin continued his civil rights activism throughout college before beginning government work in …1977. He contributed significantly to “helping Black presence become more widespread in governmental roles.” He was a successful businessman and was named Vice President for Corporate Affairs at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1989, helping make connections with minority businesses and integrating minorities within the workforce. Ruffin continued at R.J. Reynolds until 1999, when he retired to focus on his work as part of the U.N.C. Board of Governors. Ruffin held numerous notable roles and received several awards and recognitions, including being named a “Life” and “Golden Heritage” member of the NAACP. He passed away in 2006. The Depot Street Renaissance mural by Leo Rucker represents the contributions of just a few of the many individuals, businesses and institutions that made the neighborhood that is now the Innovation Quarter a prestigious community and a thriving hub of Black enterprise. Visit the mural on 7th Street between Research Pkwy and Vine St: https://bit.ly/3uQ2SWo #blackhistorymonth #blackhistorymonth2022 #BHM2022 #bhm #blm #blackhistoryisamericanhistory #blacklivesmatter #blackhistory #history