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Durham commissioners honor Soil & Water District’s 60th anniversary and pay tribute to Dr. E. Lavonia Allison
Summary
At its Jan. 27 meeting, the Durham County Board issued a proclamation for the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District's 60th anniversary, read a resolution honoring Dr. E. Lavonia Allison, and heard a community MLK Day poem and a National Mentoring Month proclamation.
The Durham County Board of Commissioners used its Jan. 27 meeting to recognize long-standing community service and civic leaders. The board proclaimed Feb. 2, 2025, as the 60th anniversary of the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District, praising its technical assistance, education programs and leadership in local natural resource stewardship.
Eddie Culberson, director of the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District, thanked the board for the recognition and noted he has served the department for 40 years. Mark Waller, vice chair of the district board, also thanked staff for programmatic work on water, creeks, farms and school partnerships.
The board read a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Dr. E. Lavonia Allison, citing her local roots, academic achievements and decades of advocacy for racial, educational and economic justice. Commissioner Stephen Valentine offered a personal tribute, saying in part, “Dr. E. Lavonia Allison, rest in power!” and thanked her family for sharing her with the community.
Commissioners and staff also participated in the reading of a community MLK Day poem, “I Dream of a Durham,” emphasizing equitable housing, food security and opportunity for youth. The board proclaimed January 2025 as National Mentoring Month; DeWarren K. Langley, executive director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, thanked the board and listed local mentoring partners.
The recognitions were presented as ceremonial items and did not require separate votes beyond the board’s adoption of the meeting agenda.
