The cause of death for Vivian Ayers has not been verified yet (Image via Getty)
Dr. Vivian Ayers Allen passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 102. The cultural activist was widely recognized for her contributions, and she eventually launched a magazine titledThe Adept Quarterly. As a poet, Ayers' talents were recognized in anthologies likeNew Negro Poets, USA.
The writer marked her 102nd birthday three weeks prior to her passing. Nevertheless, her daughter Debbie Allen was the first to share the sad news on Instagram on Wednesday, August 20.
The singer and actress shared a video on her social media post that showed snippets of her mother at various moments. Vivian was seen attending numerous events and cradling babies in her arms.
"Mommie, you have transformed that cosmic bird Hawk that lives and breathes Freedom. We will follow your trail of golden dust and keep climbing higher. We promise 'to be true, be beautiful, be Free.' Love, Love, Love, Love, Love [heart emojis]," Debbie Allen wrote.
In addition to Debbie, Vivian also had a daughter named Phylicia Rashad, who has been involved in the entertainment field for many years. Ayers was the mother of two other children - Andrew Arthur “Tex” Allen Jr. and Hugh Allen.
On the occasion of her mother's birthday last month, Debbie shared another video on the same website, showing Vivian Ayers Allen cutting a cake surrounded by those who were nearest to her. Allen also added a caption below the clip:
Four generations came together to celebrate, and @iamBrandonONeal shared a heartfelt birthday message. Thanks to everyone who sent flowers to express their love! The festivities are still going on.
Vivian Ayers Allen was involved in various areas: Career and additional information detailed
As reported by the Houston Chronicle, the individual from Chester, South Carolina, lived in Washington, D.C., following her marriage to Arthur Allen. She also spent part of her life in Houston and authored a book titledHawk. Hawk was a poem included in a specific book that explored themes such as anxiety.
In addition to being seen with her daughters at various events, Vivian took part in poetry readings, including one held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston in 2005.
Vivian Ayers Allen explored Mesoamerican mathematics and astronomy while she was taking care of her children simultaneously. In addition, she worked at the Fondren Library at Rice University, where she served as an apprentice librarian, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The outlet mentioned that she created a program called Workshops in Open Fields, and subsequently took action to protect the significant works of the Brainerd Institute by launching the Brainerd Institute Heritage. Furthermore, she founded the Texas-based Adept American Folk Gallery and set up a comparable venue in Mount Vernon, known as the Adept American Museum.
As a writer of plays, she had several works listed in her portfolio, includingBow Boly and The Marriage Ceremony.Additionally, Vivian was part of the last group of graduates from the Brainerd Institute in Chester, which ceased operations long ago, according to The Herald.
While talking to the media in 2018, Vivian Ayers Allen shared her approach to teaching her children about discipline, noting that it can be challenging when they are very young. She added:
Don't wait for them to request anything; gently lead them into experiences they've never considered and entice them to embrace the practices. You must do this.
Vivian's four children, Debbie, Rashad, Andrew, and Hugh, are the only ones left behind. As of this writing, the reason for Ayers' death remains undisclosed.