The late Senator Jeanne Hopkins Lucas (1935–2007) was a trailblazer whose life was rooted in education, public service, and a deep commitment to her Durham community.

Born and raised in Durham, she graduated from Hillside High School and North Carolina Central University, earning bachelor’s degrees in French and Spanish and later a master’s degree in School Administration. She devoted 36 years to Durham Public Schools, beginning as a French and Spanish teacher at Hillside High School and later serving as Staff Development Director, Personnel Director, and Public Relations Director. She also served as President of the North Carolina Association of Classroom Teachers and created the “Reach to Teach” program to encourage students to pursue careers in education. Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom, as she established and supported scholarships, sponsored high school students in the NC General Assembly’s Page Program, and championed funding for NCCU, including more than $15 million toward a new Education building.

In 1993, just two months after retiring from Durham Public Schools, Lucas became the first African American woman to serve in the North Carolina State Senate. She went on to win seven consecutive terms, representing Durham and surrounding communities, and became the first African American elected as Senate Majority Whip. Known affectionately as “Queen Jeanne,” she earned the respect of colleagues across party lines through her ability to build consensus, her humor, and her commitment to justice and equality.

In the General Assembly, she tirelessly advocated for education, children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and low-income North Carolinians seeking health insurance. She held numerous leadership positions, including Senior Chair of the Appropriations Committee on Education/Higher Education and Vice Chair of the Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. Her legislative career reflected her lifelong belief that public service should improve the lives of people who were too often overlooked.

Lucas’s community engagement extended far beyond her elected office. She was active in organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, Durham Congregations in Action, Habitat for Humanity of Durham, the NAACP, the Links, and the African American Dance Ensemble Council of Elders. Her faith was central to her service: at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, she taught youth, directed choirs, led committees, and served in numerous leadership roles. Together with her husband, William “Bill” Lucas, she opened their home and hearts to countless young people, serving as a mentor and surrogate parent and helping them pursue their goals. She and Bill also continued the church tradition of Christmas caroling for sick and homebound residents. Lucas received more than 200 awards and honors for her public service, education advocacy, humanitarian work, and commitment to equality. Her legacy lives on through the Jeanne Hopkins Lucas Education and Wellness Center, Lucas Middle School, scholarships and educational support in her name, and the naming of Phase III of the Carolina Breast Cancer Study in her honor.

Senator Natalie Murdock (SD 20) is organizing this commemoration week in partnership with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) student organizations to honor the life and legacy of Senator Lucas.