In July 2005, we started “The Last Word,” a column in which locals answer questions about themselves. It was patterned after Vanity Fair’s The Proust Questionnaire – which had its origins in a parlor game popularized by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that an individual reveals his or her true nature in answering these questions
Leroy Boyd
Inweekly, 9/29/2005
The Movement for Change founder and leader has spent four decades fighting racism, poverty, injustice and inequality. The 59-year-old Boyd helped create Movement for Change in 1997. From fighting the Confederate Flag flying over the City of Five Flags to seeking a citizens review board to scrutinize questionable local law enforcement actions, Boyd’s No. 1 goal is challenging the status quo. Despite investigations into the covered-up death of a jail inmate and former Commissioner Willie Junior’s suspicious suicide, Boyd took a few minutes out of a long day to talk about pies, caps and (what else) change.
What is your greatest fear?
More corruption in Escambia County.
Which living person do you most admire?
My wife, Jeanne.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Pies. I go out and buy them all the time.
What is your favorite journey?
The one I have not yet made. It’s called “retirement.”
What do you consider Pensacola’s most overrated aspect?
Tourism.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Gee whiz, I can’t believe it.
When and where are you most comfortable?
Traveling or at home.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Musical.
What is your current state of mind?
I’m thinking about how our community must embrace change. We need a plan to alleviate problems resulting from being one of the poorest counties in the state. We need to help everyone be able to pursue life, liberty and happiness.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
More children and grandchildren.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My longevity. I’ve been focused on my goal to bring change for 40 years.
What do you consider your greatest failure?
Not being able to influence community leaders about the need for a citizens review board for the Sheriff’s Office.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Treating the homeless as if they’re not human beings.
What is your dream job?
To be the agent for inclusiveness and change.
What is your most striking characteristic?
My hats. I own at least 15 different caps.
What is the quality you most like in other people?
Charisma that displays they are concerned and want to make a difference. That quality speaks before they say a word.
What do you most value in friends?
Loyalty, respect and professional courtesy.
What do you most dislike?
Resistance to change.
What is the trait you most deplore?
Cowards.
How would you like to die?
While dreaming about my Lord; doing what He expects me to do.
What is your motto?
I was a Boy Scout for five years: Be prepared.
Note: Leroy Boyd passed away 2010. The Pensacola City Council named its public forum in his honor. Attorney Bob Kerrigan gave us a tribute to publish.
