MaryAnn Black

1943-2020

MaryAnn E. Black was born in Manhattan, NY. and grew up in Florence, SC. She received her undergraduate degree in English from Benedict College and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Ms. Black worked in the Durham County School System and the Duke Child Guidance Center, and in 1982, she went into private practice as a Psychotherapist. in 1994, she was voted Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. Beginning in 1990, she served as a Durham County Commissioner and was Chair of the Commissioners from 1996 to 2002.

In 2002, Ms. Black became Associate Vice President for Community Relations for the Duke University Health System. In this role, she helped to develop and implement strategies and programs to enhance the health system’s relationships with local communities and groups supporting the health and human service needs of the people of Durham, N.C. By establishing partnerships with the city, county and other agencies and organizations, citizens were empowered to seek improvement for their physical and emotional health regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

Ms. Black was an active leader and participant in numerous Durham community agencies, schools, and health care programs. She either served on or chaired the boards of many organizations including:

  • Durham and Triangle United Ways
  • Durham County Board of Social Services
  • Durham Arts Council
  • Durham Regional Hospital Corporation
  • Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
  • North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund
  • North Carolina Board of State Teachers and Local Government Retirement System
  • Durham Council on Alcoholism
  • Durham Center for Behavioral Health
  • Durham Nursery School Association Board
  • Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
  • United Way Allocation Committee

In 2004, she received the Josephine Dobbs Clement Award for Exemplary Community Leadership for helping to improve public education in Durham.

Ms. Black passed away on March 25, 2020 at the age of 76. Strengthening the delivery of health care to underserved populations was an emphases throughout her career and she will always be remembered for her commitment to serving others.

Interview

An oral history interview was conducted with MaryAnn Black on January 22, 2004 by Jessica Roseberry. It is available upon request. Contact the Medical Center Archives at dumc.archives@mc.duke.edu for additional information.