RALEIGH, N.C. (October 11, 2026) - What is possible when people who live, work, learn, build and invest in themselves and their families in the same community take the time to break bread together and get to know one another? That question was at the heart of the Love Is Local Raleigh Sunday Supper, where Southeast Raleigh Promise celebrated 10 years of community impact by bringing residents, businesses, and partners together around the table to reflect on the promises they've fulfilled - and invite the community to help shape what’s next.
The organization’s impact was recently highlighted during a press conference held with N.C. Gov. Josh Stein at its first rental home completed as part of their 25-unit small-scale development being built on nine parcels in Southeast Raleigh. In May, Stein legislation that included expanded access and higher-density development, making similar growth possible in more communities across the state.
Held at the Beacon Campus along Rock Quarry Road on Sunday, October 11, the gathering marked a decade of Southeast Raleigh Promise, Raleigh-Wake County’s first Purpose Built Communities initiative, working alongside residents and partners to strengthen and expand opportunities in cradle to career education, economic mobility, mixed-income affordable housing, and health and community wellness. Rather than a traditional anniversary gala, the Sunday Supper embraced the warmth of a shared meal and a welcoming space for people to meet their neighbors, discover shared interests and strengthen the relationships that define a community and help the people who call Southeast Raleigh home grow, thrive, and prosper.
“Ten years ago, Southeast Raleigh Promise began with a promise. Today, we're surrounded by the people, businesses, students, families and partners who continue to give that promise meaning,” said Southeast Raleigh Promise CEO Yvette Holmes, opening the event. “This celebration is not only about looking back at what we've accomplished, but it’s about looking ahead to what more we can do to uplift our community together to grow opportunities along the Rock Quarry Road Corridor.
The centerpiece of the event was a Community Front Porch Conversation, moderated by Holmes and Southeast Raleigh native Desmond Dunn and joined by community partners and residents who shared stories of impact over the past 10 years and closed with a look at what’s next for Southeast Raleigh Promise.
From educational support and entrepreneurship to housing stability and neighborhood connections, the organization's work is rooted in a simple belief: lasting progress happens when communities help shape their own futures.
The supper put that belief on display by celebrating the local businesses and cultural institutions that help make Southeast Raleigh unique. Cafe Orleans, a member of the Rock Quarry Road Corridor Small Business Alliance, provided the food, while JUICED!, another Small Business Alliance member, created and served signature juice beverages. A small business coming soon to Rock Quarry Road, Ms. B’s Bakery, brought sweet treats for dessert. The North Carolina Central University Jazz Ensemble provided the soundtrack for an afternoon backdrop of hospitality, connection and pride.
As Southeast Raleigh Promise continues to reflect on its first 10 years throughout October, the focus reaches beyond the anniversary itself, Holmes said. The organization is looking ahead to the next chapter of community-led progress in an era of change, with residents, families, students, entrepreneurs and partners continuing to help define the opportunities and priorities that will shape the next decade of Southeast Raleigh's story.
