Allen B. Ballard Jr. ’52 H’04
Allen B. Ballard Jr. ’52 H’04, who spent a lifetime breaking barriers for Black students — first as one of Kenyon’s first two African American matriculants and later as a historian whose work included the African Diaspora — died on Nov. 5 at the age of 96.
More than just an academic, Ballard’s work inspired new equal opportunity programs at dozens of New York colleges, He also excelled as a writer and musician, serenading the campus community with his voice and guitar during Kenyon President Sean Decatur’s inauguration in 2013.
“Dr. Allen Ballard was a pioneer and a true Renaissance man, in my opinion,” said Chris Kennerly, dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “As one of the first two Black students to integrate Kenyon College, he distinguished himself as a scholar, athlete and student government leader. Throughout his remarkable life, he served as a soldier, professor, administrator, author, musician and poet.”
Born Nov. 1, 1930, to Allen B. Ballard and Olive Robinson Ballard in Philadelphia, he attended a legally segregated all-Black elementary school before joining an integrated high school.
Ballard arrived on Kenyon’s campus in 1948, serving as student body president, playing lacrosse, and contributing to the 1950 football team that is enshrined in the Kenyon Athletics Hall of Fame. He helped integrate the College along with fellow student-athlete Stanley L. Jackson ’52.
In a 2023 interview, Ballard described his time on the Hill as very positive, though it could be challenging. “It was a bittersweet four years,” he said. “Sweet in a sense that we had a great education, both of us (Ballard and Jackson). And I made lots of great friends at Kenyon. On the other hand, the fraternity discrimination left its mark. I played ball with fellas, but when it came time to socialize, they were in their (all-white) fraternities and I was an independent.”
Ballard graduated magna cum laude with a political science degree and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society before studying in France as a Fulbright scholar. This was followed by active military service at NATO headquarters in Paris and then a doctorate in government with a specialization in Soviet politics from Harvard.
After this came a career of teaching and college administration. In the 1960s, Ballard helped design a program to help desegregate the City College of New York — where he also taught — opening its doors to more Black and Puerto Rican students from surrounding neighborhoods. It later expanded to other City University of New York campuses. After joining the University at Albany, SUNY in 1986, Ballard taught Russian history, African American studies and civil rights, while being active in that university’s educational opportunity program.
“He was also a trailblazer in expanding educational opportunities in higher education for underrepresented and disadvantaged students, particularly through his work with the City University of New York’s SEEK program,” Kennerly said. “It was truly an honor and a privilege to meet Dr. Ballard and spend time in his presence on several occasions.”
Kennerly visited Ballard at his Albany home in 2023 with Associate Professor of History Sylvie Coulibaly and Jonathan Tazewell ’84, Thomas S. Turgeon Professor of Drama and Film. They came to honor him after Coulibaly and Kennerly established an African Diaspora Studies prize to recognize student achievement at the College and named it in honor of Ballard, who served on Kenyon’s board of trustees from 2003 to 2007.
Tazewell filmed the encounter in New York, which featured Ballard playing “Kokosing Farewell” on his harmonica. Tazewell said Ballard’s strong love for Kenyon came through clearly despite the adversities he faced as a student.
“Dr. Allen Ballard endured the humiliations and vile aggressions of racism and isolation as one of Kenyon’s first African American students, and yet he never lost his love or dedication to this institution,” he said. “Through his honor and excellence he carved out a place for Black students, like me, who followed in his footsteps. We stood on the shoulders of giants and are forever grateful for their courage.”
Coulibaly said she was particularly impressed by the delight that Ballard took in life. He always wanted to keep growing and keep learning — even practicing how to fly on the flight simulator he had in his living room during her visit three years ago.
“He was somebody who embodied the Kenyon ethos of wanting to discover new things, wanting to be creative,” she said. “Not because you’re going to get rewarded for anything, but just because you want to push the boundaries of knowledge for their own sake.”
Ballard is the author of five books, including “The Education of Black Folk: The Afro-American Struggle for Knowledge in White America” and “One More Day’s Journey: The Story of a Family and a People.” His novel “Where I’m Bound” is about Black soldiers in the Civil War.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine; son, John; stepchildren Alayna and Michael; brother, Walter; sister-in-law, Marcia; and a niece and nephews. Calling hours and a funeral service will take place Thursday, Nov. 12, in Albany, New York, followed by interment with full military honors in Schuylerville, New York.
