Durham honors Dr. Livonia Allison for her civil rights and education advocacy

The Durham Public Schools Board of Education held its monthly work session on February 6, 2025, where a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring the late Dr. E. Livonia Allison, a prominent figure in the Durham community and a staunch advocate for education and civil rights.

The session began with Chair Rogers expressing deep respect for Dr. Allison, recalling their long-standing relationship that began in 1984 during Rogers' student teaching at Hillside High School. Rogers highlighted Dr. Allison's instrumental role in his career and her unwavering commitment to advocating for children and educational equity.

Following this, Chair Floyd McKissett took the podium to provide a tribute to Dr. Allison, emphasizing her extensive contributions to the Durham community. McKissett shared personal anecdotes, noting Dr. Allison's visibility and activism since his youth, particularly her efforts in promoting educational access and civil rights. He praised her for her leadership in merging the Durham City and County school systems, which aimed to provide equal opportunities for all students.

The board then read a resolution into the record, detailing Dr. Allison's remarkable life and legacy. The resolution highlighted her academic achievements, including her education at Hampton University and New York University, and her dedication to mentoring students at historically black colleges and universities. It also recognized her advocacy for the performing arts at Hillside High School and her role in strengthening African American political representation through her leadership with the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People.

Dr. Allison's commitment to voter registration and education on entrepreneurship for high school students was also acknowledged, along with her efforts to ensure access to voting for students at North Carolina Central University. The resolution concluded with a heartfelt recognition of her passing in January 2025 at the age of 94, marking her as a profound loss for the community and the nation.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to honoring Dr. Allison's legacy and ensuring that her contributions to education, civil rights, and social justice continue to inspire future generations. The resolution was adopted unanimously, reflecting the board's deep gratitude for her impact on the Durham Public Schools and the broader community.