INDIANAPOLIS — Rozelle Boyd, the first African American and longest serving member of the Indianapolis City-County Council, has died.
Boyd was elected in 1965 and served until 2007. In 2004, Boyd served for a time as president, making him the first African American and Democrat to hold this position.
On Twitter, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett called Boyd a trailblazer and staple in the community.
Our hearts go out to the friends and family of Rozelle Boyd, a trailblazer in Indianapolis politics and a staple of our community. His decades-long service in the City-County Council inspired generations of leaders, and his legacy lives on in countless ways.
— Mayor Joe Hogsett (@IndyMayorJoe) July 22, 2022
The Madam Walker Legacy Center in Downtown Indianapolis described Boyd as "a legend whose legacy and impact will live on for years to come."
The Madam Walker Legacy Center board and staff sends condolences to the family of Rozelle Boyd, the first African American elected to the Indianapolis City-County Council. A legend whose legacy and impact will live on for years to come.
— Madam Walker Legacy Center (@walkertheatre) July 22, 2022
Rest In Peace 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/TkHx16bVGN
Boyd was a recipient of the IUPUI Chancellor's Medallion in 2009 for breaking barriers in Indiana politics.
The award is given to people of "vision, character, high achievement, and distinguished voice," including those in public service, according to the university's website.
Boyd served as assistant dean for University Division at IU-Bloomington from 1968 to 1976. He also founded and directed what is now the Groups Scholars Program, which addresses "low attendance rates among first-generation, low-income and physically challenged students," according to IUPUI.
Boyd graduated from Butler University in 1957 with a degree in political science, according to IUPUI.
Butler University shared the following statement after Boyd's death:
“The Butler University community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of alumnus Rozelle Boyd. As the first African American elected to the Indianapolis City Council, and later the first Black City-County Council President, Mr. Boyd was a true trailblazer whose impact on our great city will be forever lasting. He was a man of tremendous courage and conviction, and was deeply admired and respected by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. We extend our most heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.”
After obtaining his degree, Boyd taught U.S. history and served as a counselor in the adult education program at Crispus Attucks High School, where he was once a student, according to IUPUI.
He also served on several community and civic boards.
WRTV Reporter Nikki DeMentri contributed to this story.
-
Hoosiers notice price increases on fast fashion sites amid Trump's tariffs
It’s a simple as a click of a button. Many Hoosiers resort to using fast-fashion websites like Shein and Temu, which ship many Chinese-made products to the U.S.
Cavaliers beat the Pacers 126-104 to cut series deficit to 2-1
Cleveland was desperate to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole and used everything in its arsenal to hold on this time.
Old Timers Club reminisce about Indy 500's past
Known as the "Old Timers Club," the group features former drivers, mechanics, and racing historians, all of whom boast hands-on experience in the world of racing.
Indy's clinician-led team to host town halls to meet residents where they are
The job of Indy's clinician-led community response team is to help people living in downtown and on the east and north sides who may be suffering from a mental health emergency.
