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.
-
East side Indianapolis residents rally to save Ransburg YMCA
Community members rallied Saturday morning to save the Ransburg YMCA on Indianapolis' east side, which is set to close permanently on March 31.
Person killed in single-vehicle crash on Indy's southeast side
IMPD is investigating a deadly crash that happened on the southeast side of the city early Saturday morning.
Hoosiers across Indy metro protest immigration enforcement in Indiana
There have been major developments in Indiana regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this week, sparking protests across the city.
Comedian and Indianapolis native Mike Epps opens boxing gym on north side
Actor and comedian Mike Epps is opening a new boxing gym on the north side of Indianapolis. The Right Jab Boxing Gym is on Sutherland Avenue near 38th Street and East Fall Creek Parkway North Drive.
