Frederick D. Reese

Frederick D. Reese

Frederick Douglas Reese (November 28, 1929 – April 5, 2018) was an influential American civil rights activist, educator, and minister. He is best known for his leadership role in the Selma to Montgomery marches and his work with the Dallas County Voters League (DCVL) in Alabama.

Early Life and Education

Frederick D. Reese was born in Selma, Alabama, where he grew up during the era of Jim Crow laws. He attended Alabama State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. Reese furthered his education by obtaining a master's degree in education administration from Livingston University (now the University of West Alabama).

Career as an Educator

Reese began his career as a teacher in the Selma public school system. He later became a principal, where he was known for his dedication to improving educational opportunities for African American students. His work in education was deeply intertwined with his civil rights activism, as he believed that education was a key factor in achieving equality.

Civil Rights Activism

Reese was a prominent member of the Dallas County Voters League, an organization that played a crucial role in the fight for voting rights for African Americans in the South. As president of the DCVL, Reese invited Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to Selma to help organize and lead voting rights demonstrations.

Selma to Montgomery Marches

Reese was one of the "Courageous Eight," a group of local leaders who were instrumental in organizing the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. These marches were pivotal in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Reese's leadership and courage were vital in the face of violent opposition from local authorities and resistance from segregationists.

Later Life and Legacy

After the success of the voting rights movement, Reese continued to be active in civil rights and education. He served as a city councilman in Selma and remained a respected figure in the community. Reese's contributions to the civil rights movement have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

Reese passed away on April 5, 2018, but his legacy lives on through his work and the impact he had on the civil rights movement.

References

• "Selma's Frederick D. Reese, civil rights leader, dies at 88." The Washington Post. April 6, 2018.
• "Frederick D. Reese, Selma civil rights leader, dies at 88." The New York Times. April 6, 2018.

External Links

• [Frederick D. Reese at the Civil Rights Movement Archive](http://www.crmvet.org)

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  Frederick D. Reese

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  Selma to Montgomery March

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  Frederick D. Reese with John Lewis and Terri Sewell