Bernard Allen (August 24, 1937 – October 14, 2006) was a Democratic member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing the state's thirty-third House district, predominantly composed of constituents in Raleigh, North Carolina but including some suburban areas of Wake County.
Early life and education
Allen was born on August 24, 1937, and grew up in Allendale, South Carolina. His parents were James Allen, Sr., and the former Louise Hoover. Allen attended Voorhees College for a while, then transferred to St. Augustine's College in Raleigh where, in 1962, he earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education. He later earned his master's degree in public administration from North Carolina Central University in 1979.
Career
After getting his bachelor's degree, Allen taught in the Vance County Schools system, eventually working his way into the system's administration. He worked for 25 years as a lobbyist for the North Carolina Association of Educators and for the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Death
He suffered a mild stroke on September 23, 2006, and spent several weeks recuperating at WakeMed. Friends and family said he kept working from his bed until his very last hours. Allen died on October 14, 2006, aged 69.
Legislative history
During his term in office, Allen was noted for being one of the primary co-sponsors of the law establishing the North Carolina Education Lottery. He also worked to increase state funding to historically black colleges and universities in the state. Allen chose to run for the seat and did not face any Democratic party primary. He went on to win the general election over Republican Venita Peyton and Libertarian Jesse Halliday.