The Union Review

Ball Sets Precedent for a Premier Annual Event

RHB Honors and Celebrates the Power of Community Leaders



Dr. LaDonna Boyd with Nashville Mayor John Cooper

Dr. LaDonna Boyd with Nashville Mayor John Cooper

During the many special events held under the umbrella of R.H. Boyd’s annual Vision Conference™ and National Baptist Congress, RHB hosted its inaugural Legacy Ball, honoring community advocates and heroes and recognizing R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund scholarship and grant recipients.

The momentous black-tie event included a VIP reception, live entertainment, and opportunities for engagement with community partners, friends, and more.

During the affair, RHB recognized persons for their significant contributions to the community and who have supported the work of RHB and the community for generations. The ball was an inspiring, elegant affair filled with the soulful sounds of Gospel artist Maranda Curtis and dancing music from duo Louis York. Additional music entertainment was provided by the Karlton Taylor Trio.

The Legacy Ball was held on Friday, June 17, in the Platinum Ballroom at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown Hotel, and celebrated achievement in areas of faith, civic engagement, literary works, and the arts. Recipients of the R.H. Boyd Humanitarian, Service, and Excellence awards were recognized, as were recipients of endowment fund scholarships and grants.

Dr. Boyd seated next to a space reserved in memory of Dr. T. B. Boyd III

Dr. Boyd seated next to a space reserved in memory of Dr. T. B. Boyd III

James E. K. Hildreth, PhD, MD, president of Meharry Medical College received the R.H. Boyd Humanitarian Award. Dr. Hildreth, an epidemiologist by training, is the 12th president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College, the nation’s largest private, historically Black academic health sciences center.

The Equity Alliance was presented with the R.H. Boyd Service Award. Through civic engagement, leadership development, grassroots organizing, and issue advocacy, Equity Alliance’s work is focused across three goal areas of democracy, growth, and power, which is grounded in their dedication to improving the quality of life for Black people. Founders/co-directors Charlane Oliver and Tequila Johnson accepted the award.

The R.H. Boyd Excellence Award was presented posthumously to Dr. T. B. Boyd III. The late president/CEO emeritus Dr. T. B. Boyd III served as the fourth-generation president/CEO of the R.H. Boyd family of companies. Dr. Boyd served R.H. Boyd and Citizens Bank for more than forty years, and was a pivotal figure to many other organizations, including Meharry Medical College, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, and the National Museum of African American Music. He was a highly-regarded civic leader, a nationally noted speaker, and a resolute family man. Dr. Boyd, who transitioned on May 3, served his community with vigor and excellence until his retirement in 2017.

Dr. LaDonna Boyd and Mrs. Yvette Boyd join guests at the VIP reception.

Dr. LaDonna Boyd and Mrs. Yvette Boyd join guests at the VIP reception.

Scholarship recipients Devyn S. Harrod, Jalani Patterson, and Taylor Epps were introduced to the audience and given an opportunity to express their gratitude for the financial assistance they received through the endowment. Also recognized were two grant recipients: the Hope Clinic for Women, which works toward reducing the disparity in healthcare among minority women; and Rejoice School of Ballet, a faith-based organization devoted to empowering youth to realize their potential by training, nurturing, and celebrating dancers from diverse racial, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.

Musical entertainment was provided by Louis York.

Musical entertainment was provided by Louis York.

Inaugural Legacy Ball sponsors included: Meharry Medical College, Belmont University, Launch Tennessee, Nashville Public Television, Pinnacle Financial Partners, the National Museum of African American Music, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., Providence Title, LLC, and HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

Ball guests were treated to swag bags featuring a complimentary ticket to the 10th annual Praise and Laughs Gospel Comedy Show—Juneteenth Edition, a National Museum of African American Music lapel pin, a R.H. Boyd pen and box of stationery, and a copy of the new RHB release, Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership, by author H. H. Leonards.

During her greetings to ball guests, RHB president/CEO Dr. LaDonna Boyd said, “We are excited to host our very first Legacy Ball in celebration of R.H. Boyd’s 125th Anniversary. We hope to continue the tradition next year and in the years to come.”

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