Dr. Charmaine McKissick-Melton
Mrs. Evelyn McKissick was the plaintiff in McKissick V. Durham City Board of Education, which successfully challenged racial segregation in Durham public schools. Her four children were subsequently involved in the desegregation of elementary, junior high, and high schools in Durham, North Carolina.
Early Life and Career
Charmaine McKissick-Melton was born in Durham, North Carolina, where she played a pivotal role in desegregating the Durham public school system as a young child. Following this historic step, her family relocated to a brownstone in New York City. However, before she completed high school, Charmaine, along with her parents, moved to a trailer in Warren County, North Carolina, as they worked to develop the visionary community of Soul City.
Throughout her career, Charmaine dedicated herself to education, serving as a professor of mass communications at North Carolina Central University and holding various positions both in and outside academia.
Now retired, she resides in the home her father built in Soul City with her husband, Tyrone. She is the proud mother of two sons.
A Family’s Contribution to Civil Rights
Charmaine’s father, Floyd McKissick Sr., was a tireless advocate for civil rights, dedicating his life to improving opportunities for African Americans. His impact was so vast that, as historian Dr. Nishani Frazier noted, a comprehensive biography of his life could easily span 600 pages.
Among the McKissick family's many contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, two defining efforts are highlighted in this documentary:
Desegregation of Durham Public Schools – As a young girl, Charmaine was one of the first Black students to integrate Durham’s public school system, a crucial step in the broader fight for equal education.
The Creation of Soul City – Floyd McKissick Sr. envisioned and developed Soul City, a planned community in North Carolina designed to empower Black residents through economic and social self-sufficiency. Charmaine and her family played a vital role in its establishment.
Backlash and Resistance
The McKissick family’s fight for equality was met with intense resistance. Among the challenges they faced were:
- Threats of Violence – The family received repeated threats, including bomb threats, as they pushed for integration and racial equity.
- Forced Relocation – Due to the heightened danger, Charmaine and her brother, Floyd, had to temporarily leave Durham for their safety.
Despite these hardships, the McKissick family remained unwavering in their commitment to justice, paving the way for future generations. Today, Charmaine continues to uphold her family’s legacy by preserving and sharing their story.