January 27th 2025.
The city of Durham, North Carolina was struck with sorrow as they mourned the loss of beloved political and community activist, Dr. Lavonia Allison. On January 7, 2025, at the age of 94, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by love. Her son, Vincent, expressed his love for his mother, calling her the "cornerstone of our family."
In a statement, Vincent shared that his mother was a strong and dedicated woman who spent most of her life fighting for social justice for her community. Her resilience, wisdom, and boundless love were the foundation of their family, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
According to local news station WRAL, Dr. Allison was a force to be reckoned with in the Bull City. She was a well-known civil rights leader, educator, and activist, who dedicated her life to advocating for racial equality and standing up for marginalized communities. Even after her passing, her impact continued to be recognized, as the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, which she led for 14 years, held its annual meeting in her honor on January 26.
Dr. Allison's influence extended far beyond her own community, as she was deeply involved in the civil rights movement and inspired generations of leaders and advocates across the state and beyond. Former state Governor Roy Cooper paid tribute to her on social media, calling her a "trailblazer" and expressing his condolences to her family and friends.
Her own family had a history of trailblazing, as her mother was the first Black registrar in Durham, which inspired Dr. Allison to strive for excellence through education. She attended Hampton University and later obtained her master's degree from New York University. Her passion for education led her to work as an associate professor at North Carolina Central University and later as the director of the NC Health Careers Access Program, where she helped increase representation of African Americans and underserved populations in the healthcare field.
After her retirement, Dr. Allison took over as CEO of her family's business, Dunbar Realty and Insurance Co. Her impact and leadership were not limited to just one area, as Durham Mayor Leo Williams shared that her legacy should remind us all of what is important to the Black community. He emphasized that she was born to do what she did and continued to champion for her community until her last days, making calls and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their position or status, was treated with respect and dignity.
Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead echoed similar sentiments, describing her as a shining example of leadership that everyone in Durham should strive to follow. Dr. Allison's legacy will continue to inspire and guide the community, reminding them to always remember what truly matters and to stand up for justice and equality.
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