2024 Legacy Ball Information

Hosted by Event Details and Partnership Opportunities

In 2022, the R.H. Boyd family of companies hosted the inaugural Legacy Ball as the primary fundraiser to benefit the R. H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund.

The annual Legacy Ball is an evening filled with fine dining, live entertainment, and dancing. The celebratory setting is also an occasion to show appreciation to supporters and partners while honoring outstanding community leaders with the R.H. Boyd Humanitarian, Service, and Excellence awards. Scholarship and grant recipients are also given an opportunity to express their appreciation to the endowment fund and its support.

Proceeds from the Legacy Ball benefit the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund’s scholarships and grants for undergraduate and graduate students and community programming. Please visit www.legacyball.org to learn more, purchase tickets and tables, and see additional highlights from the 2023 Legacy Ball.

To partner with us or for custom sponsorship opportunities, please contact events@rhboyd.com. To donate to the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund or apply for scholarships and grants, please visit www.rhboyd.com/endowment. All donations are tax-deductible.

All are welcome to purchase tickets and attend.

Scan the QR code to view highlights from the 2023 Legacy Ball.

5

June 22, 2024

Cocktail Hour 6:00 pm Legacy Ball 7:00 pm

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201 • Black Tie

Hosted by Board of Directors

Dr. Matthew Alix

Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd

Mrs. Yvette J. Boyd

The Legacy Ball Endowment Committee

Dr. T. L. Brown

Ms. Veronica Marable Johnson

Founding Chairs

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

Mayor Freddie O’Connell

The Honorable Howard Gentry

Mr. Larry and The Honorable Vivian Wilhoite

Councilwoman Zulfat Suara

Mr. and Mrs. Manuch and Jacky Akbari

Mr. and Mrs. Tim and Arnita Ozgener

Drs. Joseph and Stephaine Walker

Mr. and Mrs. Farzin and Ziba Ferdowsi

Mrs. Evette White

Mr. and Mrs. Eddie and Taj George

Mr. Hal Cato and Dr. Michael Burcham

Rev. Dr. John and Dr. Maya Faison

Mrs. Caroline Randall Williams and Dr. Timothy Scott Darrah

Mrs. Renata Soto Atty. Memorie White

Drs. Phillip and Pamela Pfeffer

Dr. Matthew Alix

Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd

Mrs. Yvette J. Boyd

Dr. Quaford Coleman

Mrs. Keri Floyd Kelly

Dr. Vanita Lytle-Sherrill

Atty. Wanda Wilson

2024 Legacy Ball Chairs

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

Host Committee

Judge Rachel L. Bell and Dr. Dorsha James

Mr. Robert C. Sherrill

Rev. Dr. Malcolm J. Byrd

Dr. and Mrs. Turner and Phylanice Nashe

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Clarke Byard

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred and Tiffany Degrafinreid

Mr. Patrick Walker-Reese

Mr. and Mrs. Elde and DeLisa Guerrier

Mr. Frederick Cawthon

Mr. and Mrs. Lamar and LaShan Dixon

Ms. Shalaé Boyd

Mr. Justin Boyd

Mr. Patrick Johnson

Mr. Nick Mullikin

Media Partner

Mr. Kabir Sandhu

Mr. Milton White

Mr. Rick and Councilmember Sandy Ewing

Mr. and Mrs. Don and Tracy Hardin

Mr. and Mrs. Victor and Crystal Evans

Mrs. Cindy Kent and Mr. Keith Gregory

Dr. Alex A. Akbari

Ms. Marcia Masulla

Senator Charlane and Mr. Leshuan Oliver

Dr. and Mrs. George and Donetta Butler

Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Pam Martin

Mr. and Mrs. Melvin and Linda Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Marianne Byrd

Ms. Vicki Yates

Ms. Kimberly Adams

Ms. Paige A. Jack

Dr. Contrecia T. Tharpe

Mr. Clifton Harris

Mr. Michael Frazier and Mrs. Christiane Buggs Frazier

Mrs. Monchieré Holmes-Jones

Ms. Ashley Currie

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Brittany Cole

Mr. and Mrs. Seyi and Hermica Alalade

2024 Award Recipients

R.H. Boyd Humanitarian Award

Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center

R.H. Boyd Service Award

Dr. Adrienne Battle

Director of Metro Nashville Public Schools

2024 Entertainment

Jonathan Slocumb Master of Ceremonies

R.H. Boyd Excellence Award

Slim and Husky’s

Founders: Clint Gray, Derrick Moore, and E. J. Reed

Eric Benét Headliner Raiden After Party DJ

For tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities, scan the QR code or visit www.legacyball.org. All are welcome to purchase tickets and attend.

Additional entertainment and program participation announcements will be made at www.legacyball.org and on our social media accounts. @rhboydco

To our Partners and Community,

The Legacy Ball has become a cornerstone event in our community, bringing together philanthropists, community leaders, and individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of aspiring scholars. This year, we are inspired by a renewed commitment to supporting education and empowering the next generation of leaders through the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund.

We are reaching out to our community with excitement and anticipation as we put the finishing touches on the 2024 Legacy Ball, a prestigious event that will take place at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 22, 2024. The event is hosted by R.H. Boyd to raise funds for scholarships and grants through the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund.

We invite you to partner with us in supporting this noble cause. Your generous donation and participation will not only make a significant impact on the lives of individual scholars but will also contribute to the overall betterment of our community by fostering education and skill development.

As a valued supporter, your contribution will be prominently acknowledged during the Legacy Ball. Additionally, donors will receive recognition in our event program, on our website, and through various social media channels. We believe in recognizing and celebrating the generosity of our supporters, showcasing the collective effort to make a difference.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. We are grateful for your ongoing support and commitment to fostering education and creating a lasting legacy through The Legacy Ball.

Thank you,

Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd Fifth-generation President/CEO R.H. Boyd Family of Companies

Scan the QR code to learn more about Dr. Boyd.

Dear Friends,

I embrace the opportunity to serve as coordinator of the R. H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, as it has always given me a feeling of fulfillment, knowing that I am helping to continue a legacy that began more than 125 years ago. As R.H. Boyd is now in its fifth generation of leadership, under Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd, we continue to help others, in keeping with that legacy.

Over the past year alone, the endowment has awarded four undergraduate scholarships, two graduate fellowships to doctoral candidates, and twelve grants to nonprofit entities. Additionally, we helped to complete the historic Boyd House restoration project on the campus of Fisk University.

As coordinator, I have the privilege of seeing the amazing work our grant recipients accomplish in our communities, such as the Hope Clinic for Women, the Help Center, Salama Urban Ministries, Fannie Battle Day Home, and Rejoice School of Ballet, just to name a few.

Our engagement with our scholarship students does not end at writing a check. I have been invited several times to attend events that our students are participating in..Sometimes they call to say hello and thank you. When I call periodically to check on our scholarship recipients, I’m often pleasantly surprised at how well they are doing. For example, one of our scholars from Spelman College has written a children’s book and journal to accompany it that is available online through Amazon. We have a lot of success stories of our scholars, too numerous to share.

I look forward to the continued success of the endowment and ask that you continue supporting this worthwhile endeavor by contributing and/or attending our Legacy Ball, which is our annual fundraiser held every June. Your support will allow us to sustain the endowment for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Yvette J. Boyd Endowment Coordinator

Making a Difference

The R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, established in 1981, serves as a living memorial to our company’s founder, the Rev. Dr. R. H. Boyd. The R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund is dedicated to assisting students with achieving academic and career success through providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies. We also support community organizations that have a hands-on approach to providing opportunities for advancement to those in need through grants. In addition, the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund has partnered with Fisk University to raise funds to renovate the Historic Boyd House to create academic spaces for college students and faculty.

The R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund has given nearly $1 million in scholarships and grants since its inception. Please consider joining us in these efforts through donations to continue the work of supporting the next generation of scholars and leaders.

To donate to the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund scan the QR code or visit www.rhboyd.com/endowment. All donations made are tax-deductible.

www.rhboyd.com/endowment

Some of the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund Undergraduate Scholarship and Boyd Grant Recipients

Mr. Jalani Patterson Business Management Major

Ms. Ravyn Moore Business Marketing Major

Scholarship and Grant Programs

There are six scholarship and grant classifications under the endowment program. These categories were selected to incorporate a broad spectrum and support the business functions and mission of R.H. Boyd.

The Boyd Undergraduate Scholarship

Awarded to rising junior or senior African-American students attending an accredited four-year institution majoring in finance, business administration, journalism, theology/religion, or any major approved by the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund Committee.

The R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund Scholarship at Tennessee State University

Three scholarships awarded yearly to full time, in-state students at Tennessee State University in pursuit of a four-year degree in business or other field of study, with a GPA greater than 3.0. Students may apply for this scholarship directly through Tennessee State University.

The Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd Annual Scholarship

Awarded to junior or senior African-American women attending Spelman College in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics with a 3.25 GPA or higher. Students may apply for this scholarship directly through Spelman College.

The Boyd Employee Scholarship

Through R.H. Boyd, the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund has established the Employee Scholarship Program. This is awarded to R.H. Boyd employees pursuing degrees in the areas of finance, marketing, business administration, journalism, and theology/religion which would enhance the overall effectiveness of our various business divisions.

The Boyd Fellow

Awarded to African-American students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in the fields of finance, business administration, journalism, theology/religion, or any major as approved by the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund Committee.

The Boyd Grant

Awarded to churches, organizations, and businesses seeking to improve their communities through projects and programs that have a positive impact on society, the faith community, families, or individuals.

2024 Legacy Ball Chairs

Mrs.

The Churchwells are seasoned and highly regarded professionals in the medical field. The two met at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where André was the chief medical resident, and Doreatha was a medical emergency room charge nurse. They have been married for more than 40 years.

An accomplished physician, advocate, mentor, educator, and artist, Dr. André Churchwell has devoted his life and decades-long career to championing equity and access for all by breaking down barriers—in the clinic, the classroom, and the community. Formerly Vanderbilt University’s Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Churchwell currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Chancellor on Inclusion and Community Outreach at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Churchwell has been nationally recognized for his contributions to engineering, medicine and inclusivity. Consistently over the last decade, he has been named one of the nation’s top cardiologists in “The Best Doctors in America,” has been awarded the Professional Research Consultants’ Five-Star Excellence Award, Top 15 Most Influential African American Health Educators by Black Health magazine, and one of Becker Healthcare’s Black Health Care Leaders to Know. Perhaps most indicative of his caliber as a physician, he was voted the American Registry Most Compassionate Doctor Award by his peers.

Prior to her retirement, Doreatha Henderson Churchwell used her training in various capacities, including at Grady Hospital and as a nurse educator at Vanderbilt Medical Center. She has served on various community boards and currently serves on the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Board of Overseers. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in building a home for a health-disabled family and volunteers at the Churchwell Elementary School as a tutor. Doreatha is an active member of Seay Hubbard United Methodist Church, where she sponsors health classes. She also has taught CPR in churches, schools and the community.

The couple makes their home in Brentwood, Tennessee, and they have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Dr. and

André and Doreatha Churchwell

2024 Legacy Ball Chairs

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert and Michelle Brown

As native Tennesseans with a commitment to community and education, Herbert and Michelle Brown have served the Nashville area and beyond in both service and professional capacities.

Herbert Brown, a native of Memphis who serves as the Community & Citizenship Director at Turner Construction Company, has more than 14 years of experience in impactful roles. Herbert earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville and later obtained a master's in Public Administration from Tennessee State University. He has held key positions at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy, Tennessee Higher Education Commission, and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. In his current role, Herbert oversees economic impact initiatives for underrepresented businesses in the construction industry at Turner Construction's Mid-South Region. He also leads workforce development and community outreach.

Active in the community, Herbert served on the Urban League of Middle Tennessee and PENCIL's Board of Directors. A 2022 ULI Nashville Pathways to Inclusion Program graduate, he was recognized in the Nashville Business Journal's 2023 40 under 40 and named a 2023 Leader in Real Estate by the Nashville Post.

Michelle Gaskin Brown, an attorney and Senior Manager of Public Policy at Amazon, focuses on advocating for policies in Tennessee, particularly in Nashville, where Amazon's new corporate operations office is located. A Nashville native, Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, and law degree from Indiana University. She has served in key roles, including Vice President of Metro Policy at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Michelle is extensively involved in the community, serving on multiple boards, including Music City Bowl, Harpeth Hall School, Nashville Public Education Foundation, Nashville General Hospital, the Center for Non-Profit Management, and Oz Arts Nashville. She is a Leadership Nashville and Leadership Tennessee graduate and a 2023 Fellow of Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program.

Herbert and Michelle are proud parents of Emerson.

Partner with Us

We invite you to partner with us for the third annual Legacy Ball to be held on June 22, 2024, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Downtown Nashville.

The Legacy Ball is an important celebration of the contributions and achievements of African Americans in Nashville and beyond and those that support our community. This event and our cause both rely on the generous support of donors and sponsors to make it possible.

We would be honored to have your support for the 2024 Legacy Ball. We value our partnerships and hope that we can work together to make a positive impact in our community. Please reach out at any time to our team via email at events@rhboyd.com or call us at 1-877-4RH-Boyd. Partnerships are tax-deductible.

$50,000

Legacy Sponsor Platinum Sponsor

• Two tables of ten with preferred seating at the Ball

• Logo included in branding and all marketing materials for event

• Logo on website with web link in prominent location

• Acknowledgement in CEO’s remarks

• An opportunity to address the attendees at the event preview reception and during the Legacy Ball

• An opportunity to record a branding and partnership video to be used on website, social media, and email marketing campaign

• Two-page ad in commemorative program booklet

• Prominent listing in commemorative program booklet

• Company logo included in all printed and electronic event materials

• Branding prominently displayed during event

• Ten tickets to the event preview reception*

$25,000

• Two tables of ten with preferred seating at the Ball

• Logo included in event branding

• Logo on website with weblink

• An opportunity to address the guests during the cocktail reception

• Acknowledgement in CEO’s remarks

• Full-page ad in commemorative program booklet

• Listing in commemorative program booklet

• Company logo listed in all printed and electronic event materials

• Eight tickets to the event preview reception*

Gold Sponsor

$15,000

• One table of ten and half table with preferred seating at the Ball

• Logo included in event branding

• Logo on website with weblink

• Acknowledgement during the Legacy Ball

• Full page ad in commemorative program booklet

• Listing in commemorative program booklet

• Company logo listed in all printed and electronic event materials

• Four tickets to the event preview reception*

Silver Sponsor Bronze Sponsor

$10,000

• One table of ten with preferred seating at the Ball

• Logo included in event branding

• Logo on website with weblink

• Full page ad in commemorative program booklet

• Listing in commemorative program booklet

• Company logo listed in all printed and electronic event materials

• Two tickets to the event preview reception*

Endowment Sponsor

$2,000

• Two tickets to the Ball

• Logo on website

• Listing in commemorative program booklet

Friend of the Ball

$200

• Name or business name listing in commemorative booklet

• Event tickets not included

$7,500

• One table of ten at the Ball

• Logo on website

• Full page ad in commemorative program booklet

• Listing in commemorative program booklet

• Two tickets to the event preview reception*

Commemorative Program Book Ads

• Full Page: $1,000

• Half Page: $500

Tickets

Copper Sponsor

$5,000

• One table of ten at the Ball

• Logo on website

• Half page ad in commemorative program booklet

• Two tickets to the event preview reception*

• Table of ten: $4,500

• Individual tickets: $450

*

• Event preview reception tickets: $200

*

The Legacy Ball Preview Reception offers an opportunity for our partners, donors, honorees, and supporters to join us for cocktail party to engage with one another to celebrate achievements and foster meaningful connections within the community. All are welcome to attend.

Cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served. This is a ticketed event. The event will be held on May 7, 2024, and the location for this event will be announced soon.

For tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities, scan the QR code or visit www.legacyball.org. All are welcome to purchase tickets and attend.

Company History

OUR MISSION: R.H. Boyd empowers our community by providing educational, inspirational, and culturally relevant content, services, and events.

OUR VISION: Our vision is to impact tomorrow through influential storytelling, culturally relevant educational content, scholarship and grant support, and transformative leadership training. We are dedicated to uplifting our community, amplifying diverse voices, and fostering a legacy of excellence in publishing, multimedia resources, and events.

OUR MOTTO: Teach. Lead. Inspire.

Founded in 1896 by Rev. Dr. Richard Henry Boyd, R.H. Boyd is a trusted enterprise specializing in leadership training, Christian education curriculum, and diverse services. Formerly the National Baptist Publishing Board, the company is a multi-generation staple for faith leaders, educators, and lifelong learners.

R.H. Boyd produces theologically-sound curriculum, books, children and youth content, apparel, toys, and more. Our multimedia platforms, including YouTube, podcast, Instagram, and Facebook, aim to teach, lead, and inspire our audience.

Additionally, the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund supports students with scholarships for undergraduate and graduate studies, particularly at HBCUs and PWIs nationwide. Dr. LaDonna Y. Boyd, the fifth-generation president/CEO, conceived the annual Legacy Ball, a black-tie event benefiting the Endowment Fund.

Explore our history and services at www.rhboyd.com or contact us at customerservice@rhboyd.com.

Five Generations of Leadership

THE VISION OF DR. RICHARD HENRY BOYD: FOUNDER 1896-1922

Dr. Richard Henry Boyd was a pioneering clergyman, religious organizer, educator, banker, and inspiring leader. He was a strategic problem solver and sought to provide resources and business solutions to freedmen and freedwomen during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In 1896 he founded the National Baptist Publishing Board (NBPB), now known as R.H. Boyd. Within ten years of founding the National Baptist Publishing Board, the company became the largest and most notable Black publishing enterprise with an impressive list of publications. Dr. Boyd was a leader in the fight for civil rights, and he also promoted homeownership, missionary work, and travel among Black people. His dedication to elevating the position of Black people in multiple areas of life, in addition to religious studies, solidifies his place in history as one of the pioneering leaders of the time.

THE LEGACY OF DR. HENRY ALLEN BOYD: 1922-1959

In 1922, Henry Allen Boyd became the leader of NBPB, National Baptist Congress, and Citizens Bank. Dr. Henry Allen Boyd restructured the National Baptist Congress format, and a curriculum was developed to meet the critical social and religious needs of the period. Dr. H. A. Boyd also expanded the product offerings of the NBPB to include an extensive array of products, such as certificates, songbooks, record books, and educational courses. By 1934, NBPB served over 20,000 churches and Sunday schools across the country and the world. Citizens Bank continued to grow as well, reaching $1 million in capital assets by 1944. Under his leadership, the institutions survived the Great Depression, world wars, conflict, opposition, growth, and competition.

THE ENDURANCE OF DR. T. B. BOYD, JR.: 1959-1979

In May of 1959, Dr. T. B. Boyd, Jr. assumed leadership of the NBPB, the National Baptist Congress, Citizens Banks, and other entities. During the turbulent decade of the 1960s, Dr. Boyd’s vision was to provide church leaders who were often bypassed by standard curricula with new Christian ideas and techniques. Dr. Boyd was a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, and he hosted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who served as a speaker at the 1960 session of the National Baptist Congress in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Boyd called for unity and the uplift of Black people in the Baptist denomination, which was deeply divided at the time because of theological disputes and cultural upheaval. Dr. Boyd’s focus on product development, acquisition of new equipment, and the planning of a new headquarters were pivotal in the success of the companies.

THE GUIDANCE OF DR. T. B. BOYD III: 1979-2017

In 1979, Dr. T. B. Boyd III was appointed by the Board to assume command of the institution. Dr. Boyd began to lead with unsurpassed vigor and devotion, and the NBPB and the Congress began to grow at a phenomenal rate. One of his first major tasks included designing and building the new corporate headquarters, completed in 1974, fully equipped with the latest technology, production mechanisms, and safety measures. One of his most notable successes was the launch of The New National Baptist Hymnal, 21st Century Edition. This hymnal is still one of the most iconic product offerings at the company. His commitment to youth and education was continued with the founding of the Boyd Family Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships and grants to students and community organizations.

THE INNOVATION OF DR. LADONNA BOYD: 2017-PRESENT

As the fifth-generation president/CEO, Dr. Boyd is shaping and leading the company’s efforts to broaden its scope and offerings for modern needs. With a targeted focus on product development, technology, commercial printing opportunities, and author resources, Dr. Boyd has cultivated a wide range of skills necessary to lead R.H. Boyd through a new generation. The vision for R.H. Boyd is to be the leading resource for storytelling through print, multimedia channels, data collection, events, and serving as industry experts. R.H. Boyd is also positioned to assist in the alleviation of social concerns and social injustices, in addition to fulfilling the needs for Christian education, commercial printing, and educational resources within its community and beyond.

2023 Legacy Ball Highlights

2023 Award Recipients

R.H. Boyd Humanitarian Award

Purpose Preparatory Academy

R.H. Boyd Service Award

Representative Justin Jones

Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 52

R.H. Boyd Excellence Award

Tennessee State University

Aristocrat of Bands

2023 Entertainment

Kenny Lattimore Headliner

TC Cope

CoJo Ko Music

Thank you to our 2023

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

ENTERTAINMENT CO-SPONSORS

Sponsors!

TABLE SPONSORS

GIFT BAG CO-SPONSORS

SOCIETY SPONSORS

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

Mrs. Yvette Boyd of Emerald Events

Mr. Leshuan and Senator Charlane Oliver Sean and Candice Lee