F.D. Reese

Rev. F.D. Reese

Quick Facts

Significance:

Leader of Dallas County Voters League and catalyst for Beginning of Selma Voting Rights Campaign

Place of Birth:

Selma, AL

Date of Birth:

November 28, 1929

Place of Death:

Selma, AL

Date of Death:

April 5, 2018

Place of Burial:

Selma, AL

Cemetery Name:

Serenity Memorial Gardens

Rev. Fredrick Douglas Reese, born in 1929 in Selma, Alabama, emerged as an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement.

A Baptist minister and educator, he dedicated his life to advocating for racial equality and social justice. Reese’s commitment was evident in his role as president of the Selma Teachers Association, where he was instrumental in organizing efforts to improve working conditions and educational opportunities for African American teachers and students. In 1965, Reese led the historic Teacher’s March, where he and other educators bravely walked to the Dallas County Courthouse to demand voting rights, marking the first time a professional organization in Selma took such a public stand.

Reese was also a member of the “Courageous Eight,” a group of African American leaders in Selma who played a crucial role in the voting rights movement. His leadership extended to his work with the Dallas County Voters League (DCVL), where he helped to mobilize African American voters and challenge discriminatory practices that prevented them from exercising their right to vote.

One of Reese’s most notable contributions came during the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. As a key organizer, he worked alongside leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to challenge systemic racial discrimination and promote voting rights. His unwavering courage and leadership during this period were crucial in drawing national attention to the struggle for civil rights and securing the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In addition to his activism, Rev. Reese was a respected educator, influencing countless students throughout his long career. He served as a science and math teacher at R.B. Hudson High School in Selma, where he was known for his dedication to his students’ academic and personal growth. Reese also held a position on the Selma City Council, where he continued to advocate for the community. He remained a dedicated advocate for civil rights until his passing in 2018. Reese’s legacy endures through his profound impact on both the educational and civil rights landscapes, making him a vital figure in the ongoing quest for justice and equality in America. His contributions are remembered and celebrated, particularly in Selma, where his efforts helped to transform the city into a symbol of the fight for civil rights.