NC civil rights activist, social justice fighter Dr. Lavonia Allison dies at 94: 'Left peacefully'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Dr. E. Lavonia Ingram Allison was a champion of equity.

"She didn't mind speaking sort of truth to power," said North Carolina Central University archivist Andre Vann.

An advocate for justice.

"She was a close friend of my father's. They worked together in the civil rights movement," said Floyd McKissick Jr., a Durham lawyer and former member of the North Carolina Senate.

And a leader with a noble heart, inspiring women to hold political office.

"She was a great role model for us. She is the person who inspired me," Cora Cole-McFadden said.

Allison, a longtime civil rights activist and political force in the Bull City, died at 94 in Durham. Her son, Vincent Allison, made the announcement on Facebook.

He wrote in part: "Dr. Allison was an incredibly strong woman who dedicated the majority of her life in the fight for social justice for her people."

Allison said his mother "left the world peacefully, surrounded by love."

Allison was Cole-McFadden's physical education teacher when she was a student at what was then Whitted Junior High School.

"I learned from my experience with her to be bold and courageous as long as you're speaking the truth," Cole-McFadden said.

They kept in touch through the years with Allison pushing Cole-McFadden to run for city council in Durham, sharing some of the issues she was passionate about.

"Equal opportunity especially as it related to black businesses and employment of black people," Cole-McFadden said.

Vann said Allison was like a grandmother to him.

"You could find her at any meeting going on anywhere in Durham that was for the cause, that was for the uplift of African American community," he said.

Vann took ABC11 on a trip through her remarkable life, displaying photos from when Allison taught at the Historically Black College and University for 15 years.

"I quickly just kind of pulled out just a few things out of our archives on her life," Vann said. "I center her here, as you see, the only woman here of all the leaders who have led the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People of all the chairpersons."

Allison led the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People for 14 years. She retired from the committee in 2011 but remained active in local politics

He served under her as executive director, having a front-row seat to what he calls an unmatched level of commitment to the people.

"Helping them understand they had a place in politics. A place in working for those that were marginalized," Vann said.

She was an honors graduate of Hillside High School, becoming the class salutatorian.

She received her bachelor's from Hampton University and both her master's and doctorate from New York University.

Allison took part in several community organizations and was also active in the Democratic Party.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Allison also served as a charter member of ABC11's Minority Advisory Committee, which launched in 1971 with a mission of strengthening the relationship between ABC11 and ethic-minority communities, something Allison strongly believed in.

"I respected Dr. Allison's perseverance as she fought for civil rights and social justice through all of those years," said Rob Elmore, president and general manager of WTVD/ABC11. "Amazingly, she was attending ABC11 MAC meetings with our leadership team and me well into her 90s. We all benefited greatly from Dr. Allison's advocacy and commitment. My condolences to her family and friends."

Democratic Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, NC-04, also remembered Allison.

"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.

"Dr. Allison's passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the Durham community, but her spirit and impact will endure in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her," Foushee added. "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. I will miss her as a trusted advisor, a supportive colleague, and a dear friend, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and the entire community during this difficult time."

Gov. Josh Stein remembered her with a post on social media Wednesday and offered his condolences to her family.

Gov. Stein wrote on X: "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."

Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead also reacted to the news of Allison's passing.

"As Durham County Sheriff, I extend condolences to the family of local icon Dr. Lavonia Allison," Birkhead wrote. "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."

Allison was a Durham native who grew up in the predominantly black Hayti community, leaving behind two children, several grandchildren, and an entire community that loved her.

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