John W. Boyd Jr. is a fourth generation farmer as well as one of America’s most effective defenders of civil rights. He has been featured in The Washington Post, “60 Minutes,” “Nightline,” CNN and as ABC News Tonight’s “Person of the Week.” He is a past nominee for the NAACP’s highest honor, The Springarn Award, and currently ranks as one of Ebony Magazine’s most influential African-Americans.
In 1995, Boyd founded the National Black Farmers Association after encountering the US Department of Agriculture’s discriminatory practices first-hand and meeting many more black farmers who shared this experience. Boyd soon led NBFA members in a march on the White House. He went on to meet with President Clinton and to testify before Congress. The plight of black farmers had caught the nation’s attention, but Boyd’s pursuit of justice continues to this day.
In addition to his work with NBFA and as an organizer of the Fairness Now for Black Farmers rallies, Boyd has served in many leadership roles:
- 2009, Appointed by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to serve on his Agriculture transition team;
- 2009, Vetted by President Obama’s transition team as a candidate for Secretary of Agriculture;
- 2005, Appointed by then-Virginia Governor-elect Tim Kaine to serve as co-chair of his Policy Committee on Agriculture and Forestry during the transition period;
- 2005, Recipient of the Legacy of Excellence “Keeper of the Flame” Award;
- 2000, Appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on his administration’s tobacco commission;
- 2000, Democratic nominee for election to Virginia’s 5th Congressional District;
- 1999, Appointed by then-Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore to serve on the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission;
Boyd lives in Baskerville, Virginia where he continues to work his farm. For media inquiries, please contact Billy Warden, 919.412.0630.