Durham Public Schools name new elementary school in honor of Black farming family

Durham Public Schools broke ground on a brand new elementary school named in their honor.

For over a half a century, the Lyons family worked on their farm during times of segregation and made growth and opportunity possible for many people in Durham. Now, all of their hard work and values will rest in the walls of a brand new school building.

The Lyon’s family farm created its own land of opportunity that eventually raised lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs and more.

“We used to come down here when we had to travel from pavement to gravel to dirt to a trail way back in the 60s," said Reginald Lyon.

"And my grandmom and grandfather always emphasized hard work, and education," he said.

These two pillars were rooted deep in Reginald Lyon’s upbringing. His grandfather didn’t have a formal education but in order to provide for the family he worked in the field.

“We called him Papa Lyon. And we would go out and get on a tractor with them as he would be going around the field. Plowing the fields," said Ron Lyon.

Today, they get to plow the fields for a different occasion. Some of the oldest relatives, shoveling dirt, getting to see the fruits of their labor.

“This is an occasion that doesn’t come across everyone’s desk like talking about it," said John Lyon.

As Durham Public Schools broke ground on the Lyons Farm Elementary School, they honored the accomplishments and contributions of this family who paved the way for generations to come.

“With creating our new history, we want to make sure we do not forget the past. “

“We’d like this to be the most innovative elementary school in North Carolina. It’s all about achievement, progress. This was always a place where we could feel safe and secure and pursue our dreams and that’s what we hope the school will be about," said Reginald Lyon.

This is a $30 million school that will be located off of Scott King Road. it’s unclear at this time when students will begin attending class at the school.