In 1959–60 African Americans Joycelyn McKissick, a senior, and Claudette Brame, a junior, enrolled.

Durham High's football team won five state championships between 1938 and 1945, under Coach Cary Brewbaker.

By the 1970s, the Bulldog football program built another powerhouse under Hal Stewart, and later under James "Bump" Elliott, during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

[1] During a three-year period, from 1937 through 1940, under Coach Paul Sykes, Durham High's basketball team compiled a phenomenal record of 73 straight wins.

Horace "Bones" McKinney, was the premier player during this three year undefeated span.