Man of God, devoted husband, loving father, educator, charismatic orator and foot soldier for self-sacrifice, we present to some and introduce to others, Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Reese.
Often referenced and affectionately known as F.D. Reese, this great man was born on November 28, 1929 in Selma, Alabama. He galvanized the Civil Rights Movement as a trailblazer against injustice and encouraged the masses to "stand" for what is right in every situation and in every circumstance. He led the first ever Teachers March in Selma, Alabama. He was the first to fight for maternity leave for black teachers. He organized marchers as thousands tread across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday in 1965. He coordinated and executed numerous protests against injustice.
His strides catapulted the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He sang and marched alongside the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Congressman John Lewis, Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, Rev. C.T. Vivian and numerous others. F. D. Reese played a major role in the movement, yet he remained a gentle giant with unrequited accolades.
F.D. Reese gained his heavenly wings on April 5, 2018. His legacy is one to be studied and patterned by many, as his teachings, principals and unapologetic servitude remains relevant today.