Who was Jo Ann Allen Boyce?

Jo Ann Allen Boyce was a civil rights activist and one of the first students to attend an integrated high school in the South.

What was Jo Ann Boyce's role in the civil rights movement?

She was a student at the first integrated public high school in the South after the Brown v. Board of Education ruling.

Where are sculptures of Jo Ann Boyce and her peers located?

Sculptures of Jo Ann Boyce and 11 fellow students are displayed at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton, Tennessee.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pioneer of Integration, Jo Ann Allen Boyce, Dies

Pioneer of Integration, Jo Ann Allen Boyce, Dies

7 Dec, 2025

•

Summary

Jo Ann Allen Boyce, a civil rights activist, passed away recently.
She was among the first students at the South's first integrated high school.
Her legacy inspires continued efforts for equality and education.

Pioneer of Integration, Jo Ann Allen Boyce, Dies

Jo Ann Allen Boyce, a courageous activist and one of the first students to attend the South's first integrated public high school, has died. Her passing was confirmed on December 4th, with tributes pouring in from those inspired by her trailblazing spirit. Boyce was a student at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, which now features sculptures honoring her and fellow students.

Her participation in school integration followed the U.S. Supreme Court's historic 1954 ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. Boyce dedicated much of her life to sharing her story and advocating for civil rights and educational equity. Her generosity in recounting her experiences deeply impacted students and citizens across the country.

The Green McAdoo Cultural Center remembered her as a caring and humble soul, emphasizing how she inspired everyone she met. Boyce's commitment to a better world through her actions and advocacy has left an indelible mark, ensuring her legacy continues to resonate.