Durham Mourns the Loss of Dr. E. Lavonia Allison

 

 

By: Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Dr. E. Lavonia Ingram Allison, a towering figure in Durham’s civil rights movement, passed away at the age of 94 on January 7, 2025.

Known for her boldness and deep sense of justice, Dr. Allison spent over five decades fighting for social change, empowerment, and equal opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities.

Born and raised in Durham’s Hayti community, Dr. Allison experienced the harsh realities of segregation firsthand. Her mother had to raise three daughters on her own in a racially divided society. Alison attended Hillside High School in the 1940s, where she excelled academically, graduating as the salutatorian of her class. Her education continued at Hampton University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, followed by master’s and doctoral degrees from New York University.

Allison’s formative years in Durham were shaped by her exposure to local civil rights leaders, including those involved with the Durham Committee on Negro Affairs (DCABP).

Dr. Allison’s leadership in the Durham community began in earnest in the 1960s. She was a fierce advocate for the rights of African Americans, fighting against systemic racism and advocating for equal opportunities in education, employment, and political representation.

Her work with the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People (DCABP) is perhaps her most enduring legacy. Dr. Allison served as the chair of the DCABP for 14 years. Under her leadership, the DCABP became a powerful force for African American political and social empowerment, particularly in local elections. She helped vet candidates for public office, ensuring that those who represented the community were truly committed to its interests.

Allison was a member of the Democratic Party and was an influential voice in shaping public policy at the local and state levels. She also worked closely with other leaders, such as Cora Cole-McFadden, a Durham city council member, whom Allison inspired to run for office. Cole-McFadden credits Allison with the importance of courage and speaking truth to power.

Dr. Allison was also a dedicated educator who spent 15 years teaching at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and played a crucial role in advocating for the empowerment of Black businesses and workers, focusing on issues like equal opportunity and employment.

Even in her later years, Dr. Allison remained deeply engaged in civic and political life. She continued to advocate for social justice, attending meetings and offering counsel to younger activists and leaders. Her involvement in the 2018 “A Call to Colors” campaign, which aimed to engage HBCUs in voter registration and mobilization, was just one example of her ongoing commitment to the cause. She was also an integral member of ABC11’s Minority Advisory Committee, where she worked to strengthen relationships between the station and Durham’s minority communities.

Throughout her life, Dr. Allison’s work was driven by a deep sense of purpose and a belief in the power of collective action. As noted by local leaders, her passing leaves a void in the community, but her legacy lives on. “Her dedication to the betterment of her community and her unshakeable commitment to standing up for what is right will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Democratic Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, who remembered Dr. Allison’s profound impact on Durham.

Dr. Allison’s death was met with an outpouring of tributes from local leaders and community members.

Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead expressed his admiration for Allison’s tireless work on behalf of the community, saying, “She served as a shining example of leadership everyone in Durham should follow. I admired her tireless work to help our community be a better place through her work representing the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People and other civic groups. Our office stands with her relatives in this time of need while extending prayers to the entire family.”

“It’s tragic that she has passed, but she certainly is in a better place where she will be remembered but not forgotten,” Floyd McKissick Jr. said.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. E. Lavonia Allison, a fierce civil rights activist, accomplished educator, and esteemed political leader,” Foushee wrote. “As a lifelong resident, Dr. Allison’s impact on Durham was profound and multifaceted. From her time serving as First Vice Chair of the Durham County Democratic Party to her leadership as Chair of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, she worked tirelessly to uplift the African-American community and ensure that Black voices were heard and represented in local politics.”

Gov. Josh Stein praised her for her leadership and powerful advocacy: “With the passing of Dr. E. Lavonia Allison last night, we lost an icon. She was a fierce and strong leader - a powerful and inspiring advocate for the people of Durham. I feel privileged to have known her for the past 25 years. I offer my condolences to her family and friends. May her memory be a blessing.”

Dr. E. Lavonia Ingram Allison is etched in the fabric of Durham’s history. Though she has passed, the lessons she imparted, the doors she opened for others, and the progress she championed will remain a reminder of her indomitable spirit and influence in North Carolina politics and culture.

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