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.
-
Parents sue after 11-year-old's suicide after 'severe and pervasive bullying'
The parents of an 11-year-old girl who died by suicide have filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging the school district failed to address “severe and pervasive bullying.”
'Complete shock': Cleanup under way in Bloomington after severe storm
Cleanup is underway in Bloomington after a powerful storm tore through neighborhoods on the city’s west side.
Bloomington businesses hit hard by severe weather damage
Bloomington residents are waking up to widespread damage Friday morning after a reported tornado struck the west side of the city Thursday evening.
Trump announces new tariffs after Supreme Court blocked earlier plan
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, 6-3, that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs, dealing a major blow to his trade agenda.
