By DL White
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members (and leaders).” – Coretta Scott King
Clarence Ezell Boykins, one of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s most beloved adopted sons, passed away on Sunday, May 4, at the age of 82, with his wife of 30 years and children by his side.
Boykins arrived in Tucson while serving in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. From that moment on, he made Tucson his home and his mission. He is survived by his adult children—Darin, Dionne, Dayna, Rashaon, and Rene—and his cherished grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Big Papa.”
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at Tucson Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 226 E. Lester Street, with Pastor Dr. Marvin L. Hugley, Sr., presiding.
From the time of his arrival in the late 1960s and following his honorable discharge, Clarence Boykins became a dynamic and lasting presence in Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Affable, gregarious, loquacious, debonair, community-minded, and adept at moving effortlessly between diverse circles, Boykins embodied the true spirit of a servant leader. Nothing was too big—or too small—for Clarence.
He wore many hats throughout his career: buyer at Levy’s Department Store, manager of the Tucson Convention Center, president of the Tucson Jazz Society, and president/CEO of the Tucson Black Chamber of Commerce. He also served as both branch and state president of the NAACP and played a pivotal role in the successful campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a recognized holiday in Arizona.
Minister Dr. Charles P. Washington, who served with Boykins on the Conscientious African American Men (CAAM) committee, recalled a woman who would jump at every funeral she attended. When asked why, she said, “I jump because Jesus understands my pain—JUMP.” Dr. Washington noted, “Brother Clarence no longer has to jump. He is now resting in the arms of the Lord—free from pain and worry.”
Dr. Warren Stewart, senior pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix and original chair of the Victory Together MLK Holiday Celebration Committee, spoke of Boykins’ regular drives from Tucson to Phoenix to participate in statewide meetings.
Boykins stood alongside Arizona’s civil rights pioneers—such as the late Hon. Calvin C. Goode, former Senator Clovis Campbell, Sr., Dr. Lincoln Ragsdale, Bishop Henry Barnwell, Dr. Bernard Black, Dr. George Brooks, Sr., and members of the Ministerial Alliance including rabbis and other faith leaders.
That collective effort led Arizona to become the only U.S. state to pass the King Holiday by popular vote in 1992. “It was a long and hard battle, but right and truth won out,” Boykins said.
Inspired by that work, Boykins created the Tucson Drum Major Awards to honor everyday heroes. “The Drum Major Award is for those who get off work and go to work,” he explained.
The following year, as chair of the Tucson Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee—and in partnership with Commissioner Ray Davies and the Tucson Human Rights Commission—Boykins helped organize a historic Tucson visit by civil rights icon Mrs. Rosa Parks.
Carl Bedford, who worked with Boykins on both the Tucson Jazz Society and Drum Major Awards, announced that the Society will honor Boykins by creating the Clarence Boykins–Tucson Jazz Society Scholarship, supporting a University of Arizona student studying music.
A Florida native born on April 15, 1943—Tax Day—Boykins often shared stories of his upbringing for the Recorded Black Voices project with the Tucson/Southern Arizona African American Museum. “I was born in a segment of Miami referred to as Goodbread Alley, adjacent to Bucket of Blood,” he’d say with a smile. “I understood the ‘Goodbread’ part… and I can only imagine what ‘Bucket of Blood’ referred to.”
He was raised by his mother, Evelyn Davis, and his grandmother, Ms. Ezell Boykins, both of whom instilled in him deep respect and a drive to always give his best. He met his father later in life, describing the resemblance as “like looking in a mirror.”
Former South Tucson Mayor Dan Eckstrom remembered the encouragement Boykins gave him over the years: “Clarence always called me ‘Mayor,’ even after I left office. He was exemplary.”
Annie Sykes of the University of Arizona Black Alumni Association and Tucson Black Women’s Task Force recalled how energized Boykins was after meetings in Phoenix, always eager to report back to the community.
“So much to say as we mourn the loss of this great man,” said Barbea Williams, curator of African Dance and Performing Arts in Southern Arizona. “Clarence took care of business, followed by smiles and laughter. The Kentucky Derby won’t be the same without him. You did good, Brotha Man. Respect.”
Anita Smith Ethridge, who served on the MLK and Drum Major committees with Boykins, shared this tribute: “First, my condolences and huge thanks to his wife, Deborah, for sharing Clarence with Tucson and beyond. He always had something kind to say, and never knew how to say no. Whether it was one favor or one thousand—Clarence was there.”
Larry Starks, chair of the Tucson Juneteenth Celebration, reflected, “Clarence was the cornerstone of Blackness in our community—pouring possibilities into the next generation of leaders.”
Adelita Grijalva of the Tucson Unified School District Board recalled her first meeting with Boykins. “He said, ‘I know your father (Congressman Grijalva). I know you’ll serve the people as he has.’ He was stylish, purposeful, and always willing to guide.”
Dr. Jesse Hargrove, former assistant dean at the University of Arizona, remembered their battle to name a street in honor of Dr. King. “It was a back-and-forth fight, but we prevailed—thanks to Clarence, Betty Liggins, and a strong community.”
Notable:
Clarence Boykins has faithfully finished his course. It can honestly be said of him:
He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith.
Now, there is in store for him the crown of community consciousness—a good and faithful servant.
Job well done.
Danny L. White currently lives in Phoenix, AZ. He is the author and creative lead for the Sensational letter “S”, a children’s book focused on early reading comprehension and word development. He is also a Adjunct faculty member at Maricopa College, and staff reporter for the Arizona Informant. Author D.L.White, can be reached via email at [email protected].
Thank you. This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.