Durham Mayoral Candidate: Elaine O’Neal
Illustration by Annabel Swansey
The Honorable Elaine O’Neal, Durham native, is about to make history in the Bull City by becoming its first Black female mayor. Kids Voting Durham, dedicated to promoting youth civic participation, interviewed the lone active Mayoral candidate. Here are some of the highlights:
How are you involved with kids in your life?
I have a very large family with lots of children. Before COVID, there were plenty of opportunities to gather as a family. Now, not so much. We still make time to visit virtually. I am also a Board member of Made In Durham, which focuses on career paths for young people in Durham.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was working on a tobacco farm. I was one of a three person team. One person on either side of a leader who strung the tobacco leaves on a stick. It was hot, tiring and dirty work with plenty of green worms. I learned the value of teamwork. We had to have a rhythm to be productive.
If you could, what new holiday would you create and why?
I am a music person and I love to dance. I would create Soul Train Line Day. There was a show in 1970 called Soul Train. It was a dance show. Everybody would dance and we’d learn about many dance styles from all over the country. I just love us all dancing and having a great time.
What else would you like to tell us about your identity?
I was born and raised in Durham. I have only lived in Durham. I am a Black female. My family is the best part of me. I love Durham. I am a retired judge and dean of my law school. I love music and reading. I am passionate about helping our young people succeed, and I love to mentor them.
To read O’Neal’s in-depth perspectives, including her thoughts on affordable housing and post-Covid recovery, please click here: Kids Voting Durham.
Kids Voting Durham team: Rafia Ansari, Emma Busch, Mukta Dharmapurikar, Eleanor Galvez, Linden James, Rohan Kalelkar, Meara Kane, Chloe Martin, Archana Goli, Alyssa Hall, Emmie Hall, Hayden Hill, Hannah Howard, Anderw Mattson, Brandon Scarberry, Hunter Seib, Kendal Win.
