HJ334: Commending the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson Reid.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 334

Offered February 26, 2020
Commending the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson Reid.

Patrons-- Guzman, Ayala, Delaney, Rasoul and Willett; Senators: Deeds and Reeves

WHEREAS, the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson “Fergie” Reid, a native of the City of Richmond, earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University and a medical degree from Howard University School of Medicine; and

WHEREAS, upon completing his medical internship and residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Fergie Reid enlisted in the military, serving with distinction as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in the 1st Marine Division in Korea and later at the United States Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, returning to Richmond after the Korean War, Fergie Reid became active in civic and political affairs; in 1956, he cofounded the Richmond Crusade for Voters, an organization instrumental in assisting black voters to register and to mobilize politically during the era of Massive Resistance; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to his community, Fergie Reid ran for and was elected to the 35th House District in 1967 and ably represented the residents of the City of Richmond and Henrico County until 1972; and

WHEREAS, Fergie Reid continues to be an active member in numerous civic, medical, political, and community organizations, giving freely of his time, talents, and sage advice; and

WHEREAS, in honor of Fergie Reid’s 90th birthday, the 90 for 90 campaign was launched in Virginia to register 90 new voters in each of the Commonwealth's precincts, appealing to potential registrants that “Voting Is a Right, not a Privilege”; and

WHEREAS, during his longstanding tenure in Virginia politics, Fergie Reid has been a tower of strength and an inspiration for those who seek a stronger democracy, strive to uphold the principles of the Commonwealth, and demand justice for all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson Reid for his achievements as a compassionate physician, a staunch civil rights advocate, a revered political mentor, and a respected former member of the House of Delegates; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson Reid as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his legacy of contributions to the Richmond and Henrico County communities and the Commonwealth as a whole.