What is the Legacy Ball?

An evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, fostering opportunity, and driving meaningful change. This distinguished event recognizes the achievements of African Americans in Nashville and beyond while honoring outstanding community partners who contribute to progress and empowerment.

Proceeds from the Legacy Ball support the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships for students and grants to high-impact community programs. Your partnership serves as a direct investment in education, leadership development, and initiatives that strengthen communities.

About the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund

The R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund is dedicated to assisting students with achieving academic and career success through providing scholarships for their studies. We also support community organizations that have a hands-on approach to providing opportunities for advancement to those in need.

We stand on the shoulders of our founder, Dr. Richard Henry Boyd, who was born at a time when reading and literacy was a crime for many. More than 130 years later, we proudly support students in their education pursuits as well as community organizations that are making a direct impact on those that they serve.

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Founding Chairs

Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd

Dr.* and Mrs. T. B. Boyd III

*In memoriam

2026 Legacy Ball Chairs

Mr. and Mrs. Don and Tracy Hardin
Mrs. Gail Carr Williams

2026 Legacy Ball Young Professionals Chairs

Mr. Tylan M. Beard
Ms. Lea A. Bryant

2025 Legacy Ball Chairs

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson
Rev. Dr. John and Dr. Maya Faison
Dr. and Mrs. Alfred and Tiffany Degrafinreid

2025 Legacy Ball Young Professionals Chairs

Ms. Mariah Rhodes, Esq.
Mr. Jeffrey R. Thomas Jr.

2024 Legacy Ball Chairs

Dr. and Mrs. André and Doreatha Churchwell
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert and Michelle Brown

2023 Legacy Ball Chairs

Drs. Joseph and Stephaine Walker
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Clarke Byard

R.H. Boyd Board of Directors

Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd

Dr. Matthew Alix

Mrs. Yvette Boyd

Ms. Veronica Marable Johnson

Dr. T. L. Brown

R.H. Boyd Board of Directors

Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd

Dr. Matthew Alix

Mrs. Yvette Boyd

Ms. Veronica Marable Johnson

Dr. T. L. Brown

Endowment Committee

Mrs. Yvette J. Boyd
Dr. Matthew Alix
Mrs. Doreatha Churchwell
Dr. Quaford Coleman
Mr. Howard Gentry
Mrs. Kerri Floyd Kelly
Mr. William Martin, Jr.
Mrs. Marie Sueing