Black History Month: Honoring 89-year-old New Hanover Co. Educator

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)- Bertha Boykin Todd was born in Sampson County. Her father was the first principal of a comprehensive high school in Garland, and  her mother was a 3rd grade teacher. Bertha was an identical twin to the late Dr. Myrtle Boykin Sampson. She had an older sister and an older brother. Her mother remarried after her father died, and Bertha gained 9 siblings.

Bertha attended North Carolina College at Durham (NCCU) and earned an undergraduate degree in biology and a master’s degree in library science. Bertha came to New Hanover County as a media specialist and retired 39 years later as Director of Staff Development.  She attended East Carolina University and earned a second master’s degree in administration/supervision and an Ed.S. in administration/supervision.

Todd has been quite active in her church and community. She is a member of the senior choir and an Adult Sunday School teacher. Communitywide service includes chairperson of New Hanover County Human Relations Commission, Adult Advisory to the NH County Board of Education, AKA, Inc. and The Links, Inc. She served on the Advisory Board to Gov. James Hunt’s first years in office. Bertha appeared as spokesperson for this Board when requesting the governor commute the sentences of “The Wilmington 10.”

Todd continues to be involved with community service. She worked with the 1898 Memorial Foundation for 13 years.  Bertha has also authored several books.

Bertha has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally; including The Order of the Long Leaf Pine (1984); YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award (1985); UNC Wilmington Honorary Doctorate of Humanities (2000); Star News Lifetime Achievement Award (2004).

January 2018, New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David asked Bertha to serve as co-chair of the 50th Year Commemoration of the Assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event culminated on April 4, 2018.

Bertha was married to the late Edward “Mack” Todd. She has two children: Rita Denise, a retired educator; and Brian Edward, a captain with Delta Air Lines.