Livingstone Notable Alumni

Livingstone College, a historic institution in Salisbury, North Carolina, has a rich legacy as a private, historically Black college founded in 1879. Affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, it has been a beacon of education and empowerment for over a century. Its alumni have made significant contributions across diverse fields such as politics, education, business, and community leadership, shaping local and national landscapes with their dedication to social justice and innovation.

Notable Alumni:

• Norman Francis - Renowned educator and longest-serving president of Xavier University of Louisiana.
• George L. Blackwell - Influential bishop in the AME Zion Church, advocating for civil rights.
• Ben Chavis - Civil rights leader and former executive director of the NAACP.
• James E. Cheek - Esteemed academic and former president of Howard University, advancing HBCU education.
• Elizabeth Duncan Koontz - Pioneering educator and first Black president of the National Education Association.
• John Kinard - Visionary museum director who led the Anacostia Community Museum in Washington, D.C.
• William H. Gray III - Prominent politician and first African American House Majority Whip in Congress.
• Clarence B. Jones - Attorney and speechwriter for Martin Luther King Jr., shaping civil rights rhetoric.
• Mary McLeod Bethune - Educator and activist who founded Bethune-Cookman University, attended Livingstone briefly.
• Philip A. Payton Jr. - Early 20th-century real estate entrepreneur, known as the "Father of Harlem."

Famous People Who Attended Livingstone College:

• Wilt Chamberlain - Legendary NBA player and basketball Hall of Famer (attended briefly).
• Donna Brazile - Political strategist and commentator, known for her work in Democratic campaigns.
• Shirley Caesar - Gospel music icon and Grammy-winning artist, "First Lady of Gospel."
• John Biggers - Celebrated artist and muralist, influential in African American art.
• Ruth Carter Stevenson - Arts patron and founder of the Amon Carter Museum (brief attendance).

The impact of Livingstone College alumni resonates both locally in North Carolina and globally, as they have broken barriers in civil rights, education, and cultural expression. From shaping national policy to inspiring communities through art and music, these individuals embody the college’s mission of service and excellence. While specific alumni data may be limited, further details can be explored through trusted sources like the college’s official website at livingstone.edu or historical archives of HBCU contributions.