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The Legacy Ball - Celebrating 125 Years

The Legacy Ball is the concept of Dr. LaDonna Boyd, fifth-generation President/CEO of the R.H. Boyd family of companies and proceeds from the event will benefit the Boyd Family Endowment Program through R.H. Boyd Company (a 501 (c)(3) organization), which provides scholarships and grants to university students and community organizations. The Ball took place during our Vision Conference, which is a dynamic, family-friendly leadership training and education conference.

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.

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.

Founding Chairs

Dr. and Mrs. T. B. Boyd III
Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd 

2022 Host Committee

Mr. Justin Boyd
Ms. Shalaé Boyd
Dr. & Mrs. James E. K. Hildreth
Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Dew
Pastor & Mrs. Breonus M. Mitchell, Sr.
Drs. Joseph & Stephaine Walker
Dr. & Mrs. André Churchwell
Mrs. Simone Sheats
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Carter
Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover
Ms. Caroline Randall Williams

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Martin
Mr. Paul Vasterling
Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Sharp
Mr. Milton White
Ms. Mignon François
Mr. & Mrs. H. Beecher Hicks III
Mr. Emmanuel LeGrair
Dr. & Mrs. T. L. Brown
Ms. Veronica M. Johnson
Mrs. Jacky Akbari
Councilman Freddie O’Connell 

Award Recipients

R.H. Boyd Humanitarian Award

Dr. James E. K. Hildreth

President of Meharry Medical College

James E. K. Hildreth, PhD, MD is the 12th president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College, the nation’s largest private, independent, historically-Black academic health sciences center.

R.H. Boyd Service Award

The Equity Alliance

Charlane Oliver & Tequila Johnson

Through civic engagement, leadership development, grassroots organizing, and issue advocacy, the Equity Alliance’s work is focused across three goal areas of democracy, growth, and power, which is grounded in our dedication to improving the quality of life for Black people.

R.H. Boyd Excellence Award

Dr. T. B. Boyd III

Chairman Emeritus of the R.H. Boyd Family of Companies and Citizens Bank

Dr. T. B. Boyd III served as the fourth-generation President/CEO of the R.H. Boyd Family of Companies, formerly known as the National Baptist Publishing Board. Dr. Boyd served R.H. Boyd and Citizens Bank for over forty years, as well as many other organizations, including Meharry Medical College, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and Chi Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. A celebrated civic leader, nationally noted speaker, and dedicated family man, Dr. Boyd served his community with vigor and excellence until his retirement in 2017. Dr. Boyd transitioned on May 3, 2022, surrounded by family.
This inaugural Legacy Ball is dedicated in his honor.

Featured Entertainment

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Thank You To Our Legacy Ball Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Belmont University
LaunchTN
Meharry Medical College

Table Sponsors

Belmont University
LaunchTN
Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College

Community Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor