Elaine O’Neal
Full Name
Elaine M. O’Neal
Date of Birth
1962 (age 60–61)
Place of Birth
Date of Death
Not available
Place of Death
Not available
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Cum Laude
- Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law
Spouses Names
Not available
Children Names
Not available
Parents Names
Not available
Known Affiliates Names
- Pauli Murray (Inspirational figure, as O’Neal spent time at the Pauli Murray Family Home)
- Steve Schewel (Preceded by as Mayor of Durham)
Affiliated Organizations’ Names
- Mayor of Durham, North Carolina (2021-2023)
- Interim Dean of the North Carolina Central University School of Law (2018-2020)
- Judge of the North Carolina Superior Court for Durham County (2011–2018)
- Judge of the North Carolina District Court for Durham County (1994–2011)
- Chair of the Racial Equity Task Force for the City of Durham
Elaine M. O’Neal is an American attorney, academic administrator, judge, and politician who served as the mayor of Durham, North Carolina, from 2021 to 2023. O’Neal is the city’s first female African-American mayor. Prior to her mayoral tenure, she was the first woman appointed as chief district court judge in Durham County and the first woman to serve as a Superior Court Judge in the county. O’Neal was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, and grew up in the West End community. She has been deeply involved in her local community, serving as an interim dean of the North Carolina Central University School of Law and leading the Racial Equity Task Force for the City of Durham. During her time as mayor, O’Neal focused on addressing crime and promoting unity within the city. She decided not to run for re-election in 2023 to prioritize her family. O’Neal’s career has been marked by her trailblazing roles in the judiciary and her dedication to public service and racial equity