The Fourth Annual Legacy Ball Demonstrates Energy, Excitement and Reverence

History, legacy and an eye on Nashville’s future all played central roles in the R.H. Boyd Family Foundation’s fourth annual Legacy Ball. As guests arrived at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, servers greeted them with shining silver trays topped with wine and Champagne. The celebratory mood continued as guests mingled and stopped by the event’s portrait studio to capture memories of the evening.

Once the dinner chimes sounded, guests quickly made their way to the Laura Turner Concert Hall. Master of ceremonies Jonathan Slocumb — the “clean comedian” — immediately caught the attention of the crowd. Within minutes, the audience was laughing openly and listening intently. “I want to remind you all that this is more than an event,” Jonathan said. “It’s a movement to keep the legacy alive and thriving.”

Co-chairs Michael Eric Dyson, Tiffany and Alfred Degrafinreid, and Maya and John Faison built upon Jonathan’s core message. “Tonight, we come together to honor a legacy that was born out of resilience and rooted faith,” Maya noted. Her husband, John, agreed, directing the conversation toward the organization’s future. “A legacy isn’t just about looking back — it’s about what we do next,” he said. “We’re here to celebrate, yes, but also to invest in the next chapter — a chapter that honors our ancestors while equipping our children, a chapter where culture and community meet faith and forward thinking.”

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the evening came during the annual R.H. Boyd awards presentation. Each honoree represents service to others and a personal commitment to give back to the community. The R.H. Boyd Humanitarian Award recognized Forrest Harris, president of American Baptist College. The R.H. Boyd Service Award went to the beloved Rosetta Miller-Perry, publisher of the Tennessee Tribune. And the R.H. Boyd Excellence Award honored Bobby Jones, an esteemed gospel singer, television host and radio broadcaster. 

The crowd danced late into the night — honoring the evening’s commitment to celebrate legacy, as well as to preserve and build upon it.