[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING OF LEROY BOYD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of 
Northwest Florida's beloved LeRoy Boyd.
  Mr. Boyd is survived by his wife, Jeanne. To his family and friends, 
I would like to offer my sincere condolences. LeRoy Boyd was a proud 
resident of Pensacola, Florida. He was a champion of freedom and 
equality for humankind, whose life was framed by immense courage and an 
unwavering commitment to social justice. Northwest Florida has suffered 
a great loss.
  Mr. Boyd began his quest for social justice and equality at a young 
age. Under the leadership of the Reverend H.K. Matthews, Mr. Boyd 
became President of the National Association for the Advancement of 
Colored People Youth Council. He also became a founding member of the 
Escambia County Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership 
Conference, and served as President of the Pensacola Chapter of Blacks 
in Government. LeRoy Boyd's leadership capabilities and willingness to 
fight for equality in employment was demonstrated when he successfully 
won a court case allowing many African-Americans and women the 
opportunity to serve in supervisory positions at the Naval Aviation 
Depot. His tenacity and perseverance were demonstrated in the mid-1990s 
when he became the chief warrior in a battle to rename a street in 
honor of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. Mr. Boyd's steadfast 
resolve in the face of strong opposition served as a testament to the 
great accomplishments of Dr. King.
  Mr. Boyd's continued commitment to serving the community led him to 
eventually found Movement for Change, an organization dedicated to 
increasing knowledge and awareness of community issues affecting the 
social well-being of the citizens of Northwest Florida. Movement for 
Change was guided by the belief that the best way to achieve meaningful 
and lasting unity in our society is through mutual respect for our 
fellow citizens, including respect for differences. Mr. Boyd's life, 
and his accomplishments, served as proof of the immense capability of 
the human spirit to overcome difference and unite for the common good.
  Mr. Boyd was recognized by a number of organizations throughout his 
life. During his youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. As an 
adult, Mr. Boyd served as the chairman of many organizations, including 
the Commanding Officers Advisory Committee for Equal Employment 
Opportunity and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Special Events Committee. 
His service and commitment to his community was also acknowledged with 
myriad awards, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award of the Year, 
the Florida Department of Corrections Servant Leader Award of the Year 
and the Hugh L. King, Sr. Excellence in Civil Rights Leadership Award.
  To some LeRoy Boyd will be remembered as a staunch advocate for civil 
rights and social justice and to others an example of the inestimable 
capability of the human spirit to conquer all. He will long be 
remembered by his family and friends as a loving and compassionate 
husband and companion; and we will all remember his energy, motivation 
and commitment to serving his community. His impact on Northwest 
Florida will forever be remembered.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
honor the life of LeRoy Boyd, and his living legacy.

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