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About MW Magazine
The Durham Colored Library became part of the Durham Public Library System with the advent of integration in 1969. At that time, DCL, Inc. re-focused its attention to the Merrick Washington Magazine for the Blind.
The Merrick Washington Magazine Initiative (MWM) was a publication founded in 1952 that collected and presented news articles relating to African American culture, current events and history to a sight-challenged population. It was founded with those in mind who do not have access to Braille or large-print editions of major publications. DCL continued to strive to give its readers the independence to read these materials on their own, rather than rely on other people or devices to convey it to them.
The articles featured in each issue covered everything from American politics to health and were culled from a range of top-notch news sources, including The New York Times, Essence Magazine, and National Geographic Magazine, to name a few. This biannual publication shifted to a large print magazine and was distributed to readers through DCL's distribution partners, both individual and organizational.
DCL's target audience demographic included people dealing with disease and medical conditions that affected their eyesight. Copies were also provided to nursing homes, healthcare providers, and upper elementary and middle schools whose teachers used the magazine to enhance reading, history and civics lessons.
Image: Lyda M. Merrick Standing With Two Blind Men By Display. Stanford L. Warren Collection (NCC.0279_0181), North Carolina Collection, Durham County Library, NC.
Honoring Our History
MWM was published in memory and honor of its founders: Mrs. Lyda Moore Merrick (our founder Dr. Moore’s daughter, who also chaired the DCL, Inc. Board for a number of years) and Mr. John Carter Washington.
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We honor all of the civic leaders who have believed in and supported this historic Initiative. In particular, we honor the memory of John H. Wheeler, who in 1969 called together the members of the board and led the decision to bring MWM under the DCL, Inc.'s guidance.
We also honor the memories of Josephine Dobbs Clement, the first editorial board chair under this new arrangement, and the other members of that board: Constance Merrick Watts (Treasurer & daughter of Lyda Moore Merrick and Edward R. Merrick), and W.C. Bennett.
Over the years, many more civic and private organizations have continued to lend their support. We are grateful for their faith and trust.
Image: Family photograph of Lyda V. Merrick (ca. 1960s).