After community backlash, Pitt County Schools confirmed Kimora Robinson’s graduation tribute will be included during South Central High School’s June commencement ceremony.
In a statement posted to social media, the district said a “meaningful tribute” honoring Kimora has been planned for graduation.
“Our entire school community continues to grieve the tragic loss of Kimora Robinson,” the statement reads. “We want to assure our community that a meaningful tribute honoring Kimora as a valued member of the South Central family and the lasting impact she had on our community has been planned for our June commencement ceremony.”
While the statement does not detail the format of the tribute, district officials confirmed that Kimora’s name will be included as part of that recognition.
The school’s change in stance follows an emotional video posted by Kimora’s mother, Latoya Robinson, who said she had been told her daughter’s name would not be read at graduation.
“They’re refusing to say her name at graduation for whatever reason, umm. which is hurtful,” Mrs. Robinson said in the video.
Kimora, 17, died on October 7, 2025, after attempting to turn left onto Forlines Road from the South Central High School parking lot following dance practice. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, her vehicle was struck by a westbound car at approximately 6:09 p.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene. No charges were filed.
Her mother said Kimora had already earned enough credits to graduate but chose to remain enrolled to continue participating in dance. She maintained a 3.9 GPA and was a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society.
“She earned that while she was here,” Mrs. Robinson said. “I don’t want no special treatment for her at all – it’s something that she earned.”
In her video, Mrs. Robinson said she met with the principal, spoke with someone in the superintendent’s office and contacted a board member, but felt her concerns were dismissed.
“It’s up to the principal which it shouldn’t be up to one person to decide if they want to say her name or not,” she said.
The North Carolina Beat published Mrs. Robinson’s video so the community could see how her daughter — who gave so much and earned a lot — was being treated, drawing outrage from the community.
In its statement, Pitt County Schools said high schools in the district “have always honored students posthumously” and emphasized that administrators have approached the situation “with compassion and care.”
The district added that it has been in communication with the Robinson family and remains “open to continued dialogue.”
Graduation for South Central High School is scheduled for June 7, 2026.
For Mrs. Robinson, the issue has never been about special recognition.
“If she was here you would’ve had to say her name,” she said.
Rest in God’s arms, Kimora.
3 thoughts on “After Backlash, Pitt County Schools Says Kimora Robinson Will Be Honored at Graduation”
Thats very sad for this Mother to have go thru. It shouldnt have been any question to add Kimora to the program. God Bless you Mother 🙏🙏
She should be rewarded with all her honors and a special recognition to her mother who worked so hard to have a successful 👧 daughter
This situation was heartbreaking throughout many communities even in South Florida (world wide) where some advocates reached out on Thursday February 12, 2026 via phone to encourage the Pitt County School Superintendent to Do The Right Thing. It is heartbreaking that the Principal of South Central HS in Greenville, N.C, could even tell Mrs. Robinson – NO that the School would not be recognizing #kimorarobinson Kimora. But, as the school has begun to prepare to celebrate Kindness Week it was a true pleasure to get this news from Ms. Carol at the Superintendent’s Office that they have decided To Do The Right Thing. The Principal needs to understand what Empathy is and how to Respect to ALL. Out of Love