On the recordJanuary 22, 2025
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. E. Lavonia Allison, a fierce civil rights activist, accomplished educator, and esteemed political leader. As a lifelong resident of Durham, North Carolina, Dr. Allison's impact 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 their voices were heard and represented in local politics. She was quite literally the personification of Ella Baker. Her steadfast focus on civic engagement in the City of Durham has been a catalyst for over 60 years, connecting our civil rights past to our hopeful present through the power of the ballot box. Her lessons will echo across the campus of North Carolina Central University and the State for years to come, and her legacy will live through the life of young people that she trained and mentored throughout her dynamic life. Mr. Speaker, I will miss her as a trusted adviser and supportive colleague and a dear friend. I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and the entire community during this difficult time. ____________________





