Transforming Nashville’s past into bright futures
The Boyd House represents more than just crumbling walls and scorched ceilings. It tells the story of triumph, legacy, perseverance, and collective progress of the African American experience. Our legacy must continue.
Once a thriving early-twentieth century home in the 1930s, the Boyd House has since fallen into a state of disrepair. It was struck by a fire and then suffered from significant water damage in the aftermath. It was acquired by Fisk University on October 11, 1938. Located on Meharry Boulevard, the home sits on the university's property in North Nashville and is under Fisk’s management. It is currently listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
In an effort to restore and preserve this significant piece of North Nashville and American history, Fisk University and the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund have partnered to transform the one-time family Boyd residence into a state-of-the-art instructional and event space.
Partner with us to reach our fundraising goal of $1.1 million to restore and revitalize the Historic Boyd House.
The home is being restored for its historic value, while simultaneously creating academic spaces, such as classrooms and a lecture hall, and opportunities to further the educational pursuits of students in the areas of business and entrepreneurship. The legacy of the space coupled with the dynamism of the campus will usher in a new chapter of opportunity for an institution so integral to the legacy of the Boyd Family, the Nashville community, the Civil Rights Movement, and the HBCU community.
The Boyd House is owned by Fisk University. The Boyd Family and the R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation will not benefit from the proceeds of this campaign. Additional funds raised (exceeding the cost of renovations) will be allocated to facility maintenance and Boyd Endowment Fund initiatives (i.e. HBCU scholarships and community programming).
From the Desk of Dr. LaDonna Boyd
“Fisk University has an amazing goal of creating additional spaces in which students can grow, thrive, and feel welcomed on campus no matter where they come from.
Given the legacy of this space, we know that what we have planned will add much vitality and energy to the campus that my great-great-uncle cared so much about and worked so hard to preserve.
Restoring this home is a true honor, and it is imperative that this piece of Nashville’s history be preserved as an example of Black excellence and success for all to witness.”
LaDonna Boyd, Ed.D.
President & CEO, R. H. Boyd Publishing Corp.
This house is a testament to their lives and stands as a monument to the triumphs, joys, and sorrows that define the African American experience in Nashville. It is a sacred part of North Nashville’s built environment and should not be demolished.
With your generous financial gift, we can save and restore the Historic Boyd House.
“You have a guy that did so much in this city that we fail to acknowledge, that we fail to commemorate, and it gets to the point that even the lasting monuments to his work and his life are threatened by the bulldozer and the wrecking ball.”
- Dr. Learotha Williams, Historian