Former DISD School Board Trustee Kathlyn Gilliam Dies
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Longtime civil rights advocate Kathlyn Gilliam has died after losing a year-long battle with cancer. She was 81 years old.
Gilliam served for 23 years on the Dallas Independent School District's board of trustees and was the first African American school board president. Her unrelenting dedication to create equal education for all DISD students was a cause that she held close to her heart.
A champion for positive change, Gilliam was an influential figure in the DISD and played a pivotal role in desegregating schools. Earlier this year, one DISD campus was dedicated to her and now bears her name.
Gilliam's loss had a profound impact on those who knew her best, and her legacy will now forever live in the hearts of those that she touched. "We have lost a very good leader, and I don't know of anyone who could fill her shoes," said friend Gwen Tyler.
Gilliam received many accolades throughout her 23-year career including inductions into the Texas Black Women's Hall of Fame and African American Educators Hall of Fame.
A public viewing for Gilliam will be held at the Hall of State at Fair Park Thursday from 3:00-9:00 p.m.
Gilliam's funeral will be held at Christian Chapel CME Church on Noel Road in Dallas at 11:00 a.m. on Friday.
