Barbara Boyd (Ohio politician) facts for kids

Barbara Boyd (born April 24, 1942 – died November 5, 2022) was an important American politician. She was a member of the Democratic Party. She served in the Ohio House of Representatives twice. She represented the 9th district from 2007 to 2014. Before that, she served from 1993 to 2000.

About Barbara Boyd

Barbara Boyd was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She went to college at Saint Paul's College. This college is in Lawrenceville, Virginia.

Starting in Politics

Barbara Boyd started her political career by working for President Jimmy Carter. In 1983, she made history. She became the first African American person elected to the Cleveland Heights City Council. Later, she even served as the mayor of Cleveland Heights.

Boyd also worked for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. She helped families and children. She also worked with the Children's Defense Fund. This group helps protect children's rights.

Serving in the Ohio House of Representatives

Barbara Boyd was first elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1992. She was re-elected three times after that. She had to leave her seat in 2000 because of "term limits." This means there's a rule about how many times someone can be elected. Claudette Woodard took her place in 2001.

After four years, Boyd could run for her old seat again in 2006. She won with a lot of votes. In 2008, she won again. When the Democratic Party gained control of the House, Boyd became the leader of the Health Committee. This committee works on laws about health.

She was re-elected for a third time in 2010. She also worked on the Veteran's Affairs committee. This committee helps people who served in the military.

In 2012, she ran for her eighth term. She won against another candidate, Howard Harris. She ran unopposed in the main election. She had to leave office again in 2014 due to term limits. Her daughter, Janine Boyd, took her place.

Later Life

Barbara Boyd passed away on November 5, 2022. She was 80 years old.