Judge A. Melissa Boyd’s struggles were real, but so were her courage, service, and historic achievements. Her life was bigger than her challenges, and her legacy deserves to be remembered.
It has taken me all day to bring myself to say Rest in Peace to my dear friend, Judge A. Melissa Boyd. Never did I imagine that while grieving her loss, I would also have to defend her legacy against the unfair portrayal published by The Daily Memphian. But here we are and NOT on my watch will I allow this to happen!
For nearly 30 years, I had the privilege of calling Judge A. Melissa Boyd my friend. Long before the judicial robe, the historic election, and the headlines, there was Melissa. A military veteran, a fierce advocate for the Black LGBTQIA+ community, a champion for the poor and marginalized, and one of the wisest, strongest, and most hilariously funny people I know. Lord knows, that woman could make you laugh!
The Honorable Judge A. Melissa Boyd
BEFORE YOU CALL HER CONTROVERSIAL, REMEMBER WHO SHE WAS
Let me be clear. I am not suggesting that Melissa’s struggles should be ignored. They were real, and she faced some difficult chapters in her life like all of us will do at some point. But those chapters were not her entire story. As a journalist myself, I believe we have a responsibility to tell the truth without stripping people of their humanity. A person’s most difficult chapter should never become the headline of their entire life.
One of the greatest honors of my life was serving as the keynote speaker at Melissa’s historic swearing-in ceremony. I remember her giving me ONE specific instruction that evening. She wanted me to make sure everyone knew she was a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Why? Because VISIBILITY MATTERED!
Melissa understood that her election was bigger than a judicial seat. Somewhere in Memphis and Shelby County, there were little Black gay girls who needed to see that they could dream beyond what society said was possible. And trust me, there are plenty of them! Melissa wanted them to know they could be their whole selves and still accomplish something extraordinary.
This photograph below is Judge A. Melissa Boyd that I will forever treasure. She is standing on the stage of the National Civil Rights Museum during the TriState Black Pride Memphis Opening Ceremony in 2022, smiling with her fist raised high in the air. That fist represented DEFIANCE! It represented a Black lesbian woman who had the audacity to dream big, fight her own David and Goliath battle, and WIN!
The Honorable Judge A. Melissa Boyd
(photo courtesy of Tristate Black Pride Memphis)
I remember the many conversations Melissa and I shared about her late mother and the dreams in which her mother encouraged her to run for public office one more time. Melissa listened to that encouragement, found the courage to try again, and made history!
Melissa also knew how much she meant to me and my family. She also knew where to find us. On any given Sunday, she could walk through the doors of Cathedral of Praise Church of Memphis and know she was entering a place where she was loved, welcomed, and safe to be herself. And I know she felt that love because she kept showing up.
Nearly 30 years of friendship allowed me to know Melissa in ways the public never could. I knew her laughter, her wisdom, her dreams, and some of her deepest disappointments. I also know the pain of betrayal she experienced, but out of love and respect for her family, I will leave those conversations where they belong.
Melissa was human, just like the rest of us. Her life was not without challenges, but neither was it without purpose, love, and accomplishments worth celebrating.
When I think of my friend, I will remember that beautiful smile, her infectious laughter, and that raised fist reminding the world that she had every right to dream BIG!
Rest well, Melissa. You made history, and no headline can take that away from you.
Judge A. Melissa Boyd, Shelby County’s FIRST openly Black gay judge.
And that, my friend, will forever be part of your legacy.
By Gwendolyn D. Clemons, MBA, MSM
Editor-in-Chief, The Unleashed Voice Magazine
