Barbara Boyd Biography Favorites Color Everything But Blue Food Steak, Potatoes, And Salad Quote “Do what you got to do.” Time of Year Summer

A pioneering African American news reporter, Barbara Boyd began her prestigious television career at the age of forty. Born in Evanston, Illinois, on April 27, 1929, Boyd excelled in literature and the humanities at Evanston Township High School. She later studied at Roosevelt University and Columbia College's School of Radio and Television before breaking into broadcast journalism.

In 1969, she joined the staff of WRTV 6 News in Indianapolis as a consumer reporter. She not only was the first African American female on television news in Indianapolis, but also was the first African American female to anchor a news show. Boyd's early broadcasts on social and economic issues quickly earned her a loyal following.

In 1973, Barbara reported from her hospital bed a groundbreaking feature on her own mastectomy several days after the surgery. She was named Woman of the Year by the American Cancer Society and received her first of four CASPER awards from the Community Service Council for the courageous report.

Many in the industry have recognized Boyd's distinguished career in television and broadcasting. She has received awards from the Indianapolis Press Club, the Indianapolis Jr. League and the NAACP. Boyd was the recipient of the Francis Wright award for being a television pioneer; the Touchstone Award from Girls Inc.; the Breakthrough Woman Award from the Coalition of 100 Black Women; and an honoree for the Trailblazers Award from Indiana Black Expo 2001.

Boyd was inducted into the National Association of the Black Journalism Hall of Fame and in 2000 was the first African American female to be inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.

Although she retired in 1994, Barbara Boyd remains active in her community. She is a member of the Circle City Links and sits on the advisory boards of the UNCF, Indiana Fever, March of Dimes, Indiana Children's Wish Fund and Monday Open Bridge Club. She also has appeared in three movies.

She is married to Theodore H. Boyd. They have three children and thirteen grandchildren.

Boyd was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on July 11, 2000.