Thomas Reed
Thomas Reed campaigning in 1966
Member of the
Alabama House of Representatives
In office
November 9, 1970 – November 18, 1988
Preceded byJames Paulk (31st)
Succeeded byGeorge Clay (82nd)
In office
1995 – October 27, 1997
Preceded byGeorge Clay (82nd)
Succeeded byJohnny Ford (82nd)
Constituency31st district (1970-1975)
67th district (1975-1983)
82nd district (1983-1988; 1995-1997)
Personal details
Born1927
Brookhaven, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedOctober 27, 1997
Political partyNational Democratic
Democratic
SpouseSeretta
Children3
EducationTuskegee Institute

Thomas J. Reed Sr. (1927 − October 27, 1997) was a civil rights leader, restaurant owner, and politician who served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1970 to 1988, and 1995 to 1997, as a member of the Democratic Party. He served as president of the Alabama NAACP from 1969 to 1979, and 1985 to 1989.[1]

Reed was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and educated at the Tuskegee Institute. He unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Tuskegee in 1968, before being elected president of the Alabama NAACP, which he would hold almost continuously until 1989. State Representative James Paulk defeated Reed for the Democratic nomination in 1964 and 1970, but Reed won the 1970 election with the nomination of the National Democratic Party of Alabama. He and Fred D. Gray Sr. were the first two African Americans elected to Alabama's legislature in the 20th century.

During Reed's tenure in the state legislature he chaired the Public Welfare committee and unsuccessfully ran for speaker pro tem. He served as a delegate to multiple Democratic National Conventions between 1972 and 1988. Reed led an unsuccessful attempt, where he and 13 other legislators were arrested, to remove the Confederate Flag from above the Alabama State Capitol.

In 1977, Reed was convicted for attempting to bribe T. Dudley Perry and removed from office, but his conviction and removal were reversed. He was convicted in 1988 for violating the Hobbs Act and Travel Act to aid in the parole of Anthony Dennis Chesser and served a sentence from December 1989 to April 1991, and was on parole until October 1993. Reed returned to the state legislature in the 1994 election and died in office.

Early life

Thomas Reed was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, in 1927.[2] He graduated from Tuskegee Institute with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in economics.[3] Reed worked as a teacher at Tuskegee Institute.[4][5] Reed operated two restaurants, Thomas Reed's Chick Coops, in Tuskegee.[6][7] He married Seretta, with whom he had three children.[7][8]

Career

Early politics

Representative James Paulk defeated Reed for the Democratic nomination for the 31st district in the 1964 election.[9] Reed ran for mayor of Tuskegee, Alabama, in 1968, but lost to Mayor Charles Keever.[10] He became president of the Alabama NAACP in 1969.[11] He was reelected as president multiple times, including in a special election after the national organization invalidated the 1978 election, but lost to Charles Woods in 1979.[12]

State legislature

Elections

Paulk defeated Reed in the Democratic primary during the 1970 election. Reed challenged Paulk's victory, but a subcommittee of the State Democratic Executive Committee of the Alabama Democratic Party ruled in Paulk's favor.[13][14] Reed appealed the subcommittee's decision, but the Democratic Executive Committee ruled in favor of Paulk.[15] Reed received the nomination of the National Democratic Party of Alabama and defeated Paulk in the general election. Reed and Fred Gray were the first black people elected to the Alabama state legislature since the end of Reconstruction.[16][17] Reed was sworn in prior to Gray, technically making him the first.[18] Governor George Wallace lived within Reed's district.[19]

Reed announced that his campaign for the 1974 election on December 19, 1972.[20] He and Gray were redistricted into the 67th district and Reed defeated Gray in the Democratic primary.[21][22] The NDPA gave its nomination to Reed, but he declined it as he could only run with one party's nomination.[23][24] He won in the general election without opposition.[25]

John Allie James, Charles Arrington, and Mable Freeman challenged Reed's candidacy in the 1978 election based on his 1977 bribery conviction, but the Alabama Democratic Executive Committee declined to remove him from the ballot.[26][27] Reed won reelection.[28] During the 1982 election Reed defeated George Clay in the Democratic primary and faced no opposition in the general election.[29][30] A special election in 1983 for the entire state legislature was ordered by a federal court and Reed won in the 82nd district without opposition.[31][32][33] Reed defeated M.H. Bronson in the 1986 Democratic primary and won in the general election without opposition.[34][35]

Following Reed's conviction and removal from the state house Hunt called for a special election to fill his seat, alongside two other seats, to be held on March 14, 1989.[36] Democratic nominee George Clay defeated Republican nominee Randolph Hall in the special election.[37]

After leaving prison Reed announced that he would run for state house in the 1994 election.[38] He was pardoned by the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles on March 7, 1994, which allowed him to run for office.[39] He announced his campaign on March 21,[40] and placed first in the Democratic primary before defeating John McGowan in the runoff.[41][42] He faced no opposition in the election.[43]

Tenure

Reed lost the position of speaker pro tem to Rick Manley in 1979, and to Roy Johnson in 1983.[44][45][46] During his tenure in the state house he served on the Tourism, Entertainment and Sports, Navigation and Water Ways, and Rules committees.[47][48] He served as co-chair of the Joint Prison Committee.[49] Governor Fob James appointed Reed to the Tuskegee Institute Board of Commissioners in 1980,[50] and served until his replacement by Demetrius Newton 1988.[51] In 1987, he joined protests over the lack of black representation in state house committee chair positions.[52][53]

Reed's service as chair of the Public Welfare committee, starting in 1975, made him the first black person to lead a committee in the Alabama legislature since Reconstruction.[54][55][56] Reed employed the first black legislative page in Alabama since 1878.[57] Reed opposed Elizabeth B. Andrews' candidacy to fill the vacancy in the United States House of Representatives caused by George W. Andrews's, her husband, death.[58]

In 1970, J.J. Jaxon, chair of the Democratic executive committee, attempted to remove Reed from the committee due to him joining the NDPA, but was delayed until the committee's next meeting in January 1972.[59][60] Reed was a member of Alabamians for Democracy which called for Charles Graddick to run a write-in campaign during the 1986 gubernatorial election.[61]

Reed ran to serve as a delegate to the 1972 Democratic National Convention from the 22nd district.[62] Dan C. Alexander Jr., a delegate candidate who survived a credentials challenge based on his support for Wallace's 1968 third-party presidential campaign, challenged his qualification to run as a delegate citing Reed running as the NDPA candidate in 1970.[63] Reed won as an uncommitted delegate against Wallace delegate W.O. Braham and gave his support to George McGovern.[64][65][66] Reed defeated state senator T. Dudley Perry, a Wallace delegate, in a runoff to serve as an uncommitted delegate from the 21st district to the 1976 Democratic National Convention.[67][68][69] Reed later supported Carter and proposed a resolution, which was passed by the state house, congratulating him after receiving enough delegates to win the nomination.[70] He was elected as a delegate for Ted Kennedy to the 1980 Democratic National Convention from the 3rd district,[71] supported Walter Mondale for the Democratic nomination during the 1984 presidential election,[72] and was a delegate for Jesse Jackson from the 3rd district during the 1988 primary.[73][74]

During a speech on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1988, Reed stated that God paralyzed Wallace as a punishment for his racism.[75] Reed later apologized to Wallace and his family which Wallace and his son accepted.[76][77]

In 1976, Reed was accused of attempting to bribe Perry to vote in favor of legislation to establish a dog racing track in Macon County.[78] Perry was offered a $20,000-50,000 salary to serve as the lawyer for Ronald Williams, who was to be on the racing commission. Reed and Williams were indicted on September 17.[79] Perry stated that "I was completely convinced they would kill me if I didn't do what they wanted" and recorded his conversations with Reed for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.[80] The prosecution accused Reed of having taken $25,000 from five men seeking to benefit from dog racing, but Reed claimed it was a loan.[81] The trial ended in a mistrial with all of the jurors except for one supporting a guilty conviction and a second trial also ended in a mistrial.[82][83] Williams was convicted on May 20, 1977.[84] Reed compared a third trial to a "legal lynching"[85] and accused Perry of demanding a $100,000 bribe from him.[86] Reed was convicted on July 22, and fined $500.[87]

Attorney General Bill Baxley ruled that he was removed from the state legislature, but Reed refused to vacate his seat and Wallace declined to call a special election.[88][89][90] James filed a lawsuit to have Reed removed from the legislature, but Judge Joseph Phelps dismissed the lawsuit.[91][92] Phelps later ruled that Reed was ineligible to hold office and invalidated his victory in the 1978 election and the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals upheld his 1977 conviction.[93][94] The Supreme Court of Alabama allowed him to stay in the legislature during his appeal on the condition that he post a $10,000 bond and repay legislative expenses if he lost.[95][96] On May 25, 1979, the Supreme Court unanimously reversed Reed's conviction and stated that as he was convicted of a misdemeanor, rather than a felony, he was allowed to hold office.[97] Reed was given $19,695.66 with 6% interest in back pay.[98][99] Reed sought $59,500 in damages in order to repay the legal fees that originated from Baxley's prosecution and the Alabama Board of Adjustment gave him $11,855 in 1981.[100][101]

Reed was given a $24.612.94 loan by the National Bank and Trust Company in 1979, but did not repay it. A judgement was issued against him giving the bank $28,275, but had not paid it by 1988. He was given a citation and fined $185 in 1987, for operating two restaurants without a license. By 1988, Reed had $2,364 in back sales taxes in Macon County and multiple unpaid judgements.[102][103]

Conviction

Anthony Dennis Chesser was convicted in 1984, for murdering his wife. He sentenced to forty years in prison and would be up for parole in 1994. On August 5, 1986, Reed was able to move the parole consideration ahead to 1989, but this was undone on August 8. Freddie Smith, a prison commissioner who died in 1987, contacted the FBI about Reed. The FBI investigated Reed for allegedly accepting $10,000 from May 1 to September 30, 1986, from Bobby Gene Chesser to aid Chesser in getting paroled earlier. The FBI stated that Bobby asked Reed to give the money back, but only repaid $8,000 of the bribe. Reed denied the allegations and stating that it was "illegal harassment by the FBI". He stated that the FBI was targeting him for attempting to remove the Confederate flag, but the FBI denied this.[104][105][106][107]

Reed was charged under the Hobbs Act and paid a bond of $10,000 on May 25, 1988. Bobby was not charged and stated that he did pay Reed $10,000, but that it was not a bribe.[107][108][109] Reed was indicted on June 16, for accepting $10,000 in cash and between $5−10,000 in restaurant equipment from the Chesser family.[49] He was charged by the federal indictment for two counts of violating the Hobbs Act and three counts of violating the Travel Act. He was indicted on two counts by a state-level grand jury on June 20, and released on a $5,000 bond.[110][111]

Reed pled not guilty to the state and federal charges and Baxley, now in private practice, was his lawyer.[112][113][114] A 27 minute tape recording of a discussion between Reed and Bobby made on August 28, 1986, was admitted as evidence.[115] On September 30, Reed was found guilty in the federal case on one count of extortion and one county of inducing Bobby to cross state lines to participate in an illegal activity.[116] Reed refused to resign from the state house and Judge Charles Price ruled that he could retain his seat until sentencing.[117][118] The state supreme court unanimously voted to not issue a ruling.[119] Legislation was later passed that required public officials convicted of a felony to immediately leave office.[120] He was sentenced to four years in prison and removed from office on November 18.[121][122]

Reed was initially meant to go to prison on January 3, 1989, but was delayed while the case was on appeal.[123] The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected Reed's appeal on September 29.[124] He started his sentence at a federal prison in Pensacola, Florida, on December 6.[125][126] He appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States, but the court declined to hear the case.[127] Reed was paroled on April 4, 1991, and spent the remainder of his term in a halfway house.[128] He completed his parole in October 1993.[39]

Reed stated that he would not resign as president of the state NAACP.[129] Earl Shinhoster, the Southeast regional director of the NAACP, stated that Reed's legal troubles hurt the NAACP.[130] Benjamin Hooks, the executive director of the NAACP, asked for Reed to resign.[131] Reed was reelected as president in 1989, despite his conviction and was the first person convicted of a felony elected as a NAACP affiliate president.[132] Reed resigned after starting his prison sentence.[133] Lillian Jackson was selected to replace him on June 2, 1990.[134]

Death

Reed remained in the state legislature despite having an illness that required him to seek treatment at the Mayo Clinic.[135] He declined to say what illness he was suffering from and died on October 27, 1997.[136] The coroner later reported that Reed died from cancer.[137] He was described by Gray as "a trailblazer... (h)e did an excellent job of representing not only his constituents, but all people", and by Alabama House Speaker James S. Clark as a "pioneer of the civil rights movement".[7][138]

Sereetta was appointed to replace Reed on the Tuskegee Institute Board of Commissioners.[139] Johnny Ford announced his campaign for Reed's seat before his death and a special election was called following Reed's death.[140][141] Sereetta ran in the special election, but lost the Democratic primary runoff to Ford, who defeated Republican nominee Robert Story and Libertarian nominee John Sophocleus.[142][143][144][145]

Political positions

Reed proposed legislation to prohibit capital punishment. [146] He proposed legislation that would prevent the imprisonment of pregnant women.[147] Reed opposed legislation that criminalized marital rape stating that "If this were a real issue involving women around this state you wouldn't have standing room in this balcony".[148]

Reed supported lowering the voting age to eighteen.[149] He was endorsed by the AFL–CIO while running to be a delegate to the 1976 DNC.[150] He obtain $3 million in state funding for a museum about the Tuskegee airmen.[18]

Confederate flag

In December 1987, Reed called for the removal of the Confederate flag from the Alabama State Capitol stating that the flag was "obnoxious to me and to all black people" and that if Governor H. Guy Hunt did not remove the flag then he would "physically remove it myself".[151] The flag had been displayed since the centennial celebration of the Civil War in 1961.[152] Shinhoster called for attempts to remove the Confederate flag from the capitol buildings of multiple southern state, but the Alabama NAACP declined to support Reed's protest.[153]

Reed and Hunt met to discuss a compromise, but Hunt rejected an offer by Reed to have the battle flag taken down and replaced by official flag of the Confederacy, placing the flag at a Civil War memorial, or temporarily taking down the flag while an advisory committee determines its future.[154][155] On February 2, Reed attempted to climb the capitol building with fellow legislators Alvin Holmes, Henry Sanders, and Fred Horn accompanying him, but was arrested.[156] John M. Patterson, who was governor when the flag was raised over the capitol, supported removing the flag and received praise from Reed.[157][158]

Reed was one of fourteen black legislators arrested on the day alongside Holmes, Horn, Sanders, James Buskey, John Buskey, Pat Davis, George Perdue, John Rogers, Lewis Spratt, James L. Thomas, Bryant Melton, Earl Hilliard Sr., and Michael Figures.[159] Reed and the other legislators were prosecuted for trespassing and unsuccessfully claimed immunity as elected officials.[160] They were convicted on January 10, 1989, and given a $100 fine plus court costs.[161]

Racial equality

Reed and Gray proposed to have the next 100 hired employees of the Alabama Highway Patrol be black and eventually reduced the amount to 10, but all of their attempts failed.[162] In 1972, the NAACP and Reed filed a lawsuit to force the integration of the Highway Patrol.[163] This resulted in black people making up one-fourth of the patrol.[18] Reed criticized the patrol for not having any black officers of lieutenant, captain, or major rank in 1987.[164] He proposed the creation of a seven-member Fair Employment Practices Commission in 1987.[165]

Electoral history

1970 Alabama House of Representatives 31st district Democratic primary[13]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic James Paulk (incumbent) 8,587 51.50%
Democratic Thomas Reed 8,088 48.50%
Total votes 16,675 100.00%
1970 Alabama House of Representatives 31st district election[166]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
National Democratic (Ala.) Thomas Reed 9,436 52.25%
Democratic James Paulk (incumbent) 8,624 47.75%
Total votes 18,060 100.00%
1974 Alabama House of Representatives 67th district Democratic primary[22]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Thomas Reed (incumbent) 5,889 60.98%
Democratic Fred Gray (incumbent) 3,769 39.02%
Total votes 9,658 100.00%
1982 Alabama House of Representatives 67th district Democratic primary[29]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Thomas Reed (incumbent) 7,253 63.80%
Democratic George Clay 4,115 36.20%
Total votes 11,368 100.00%
1982 Alabama House of Representatives 67th district election[30]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Thomas Reed (incumbent) 9,022 100.00%
Total votes 9,022 100.00%
1983 Alabama House of Representatives 82nd district election[33]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Thomas Reed (incumbent) 4,746 100.00%
Total votes 4,746 100.00%
1986 Alabama House of Representatives 82nd district Democratic primary[35]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Thomas Reed (incumbent) 6,992 72.38%
Democratic M.H. Bronson 2,668 27.62%
Total votes 9,660 100.00%
1986 Alabama House of Representatives 82nd district election[35]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Thomas Reed (incumbent) 9,660 100.00%
Total votes 9,660 100.00%
1994 Alabama House of Representatives 82nd district Democratic primary[41]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Thomas Reed 4,863 49.27%
Democratic John McGowan 2,716 26.96%
Democratic Omar Neal 2,494 24.76%
Total votes 10,073 100.00%
1994 Alabama House of Representatives 82nd district Democratic primary[42]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Thomas Reed 5,786 64.42%
Democratic John McGowan 3,196 35.58%
Total votes 8,982 100.00%
1994 Alabama House of Representatives 82nd district election[43]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Thomas Reed (incumbent) 7,716 99.82%
Independent Write-ins 14 0.18%
Total votes 7,730 100.00%

References

  1. ↑ "Judge Huffman Explains Opposition To Reed's Election". Union Springs Herald. August 30, 1989. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ↑ "Reed May Be Fighting His Hardest Battle Yet". Montgomery Advertiser. June 28, 1988. p. 2A. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ "Thomas Reed Seeks Place 1 In State House". Union Springs Herald. April 30, 1970. p. 1. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ "Happenings Around Town". Alabama Citizen. November 17, 1956. p. 3. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ "Eight More Demos File". Birmingham Post-Herald. February 16, 1966. p. 4. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ Candler, Pete (March 10, 2019). "Los Angeles Review of Books: A Deeper South". Los Angeles Review of Books. Archived from the original on March 15, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 AP News (October 28, 1997). "Rep. Thomas Reed Dies". The Tuscaloosa News. pp. B-1, B-3. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  8. ↑ "The Tuskegee News April 4, 2019: Page 6". Archived from the original on March 29, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Gray, Neville To Duel For State House Seat". Montgomery Advertiser. May 5, 1966. p. 23. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ "Negro Candidates Score Partial Victories In State". Alabama Journal. August 14, 1968. p. 35. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ "Tuskegee Man Heads State NAACP". The Anniston Star. September 22, 1969. p. 2. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ↑ "Thomas Reed loses NAACP presidency". Birmingham Post-Herald. September 27, 1979. p. A1. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. 1 2 "Thomas Reed challenges race results". Birmingham Post-Herald. May 22, 1970. p. 11. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ "Committee Rules Paulk Is Winner". Alabama Journal. July 1, 1970. p. 1. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ↑ "Paulk, Amerson Win Demo Nod". Montgomery Advertiser. July 26, 1970. p. 1. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ↑ "NDPA Nominates Cashin For Governor of Alabama". Montgomery Advertiser. August 2, 1970. p. 2. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ↑ "Legislature to be integrated 1st time since Reconstruction". Birmingham Post-Herald. November 5, 1970. p. 1. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. 1 2 3 "Colleagues say Reed acted out of character over flag". Birmingham Post-Herald. February 4, 1988. p. A3. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ↑ "1970 - Year Of Political Upheaval In State". Alabama Journal. January 2, 1971. p. 7. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ↑ "Black legislator to ask re-election". The Anniston Star. January 4, 1972. p. 12C. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ↑ "Ten legislative seats assured black candidates". The Anniston Star. March 31, 1974. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. 1 2 "Ten legislative seats assured black candidates". Birmingham Post-Herald. May 14, 1974. p. C4. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ↑ "NDPA chooses 41 November hopefuls". Birmingham Post-Herald. September 6, 1974. p. B7. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ↑ "Reed Refuses Nomination". Montgomery Advertiser. September 8, 1974. p. 9A. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ↑ "Elections wipe out Republican membership of House". Birmingham Post-Herald. November 7, 1974. p. A3. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ↑ "Reed Challenged". Alabama Journal. July 19, 1978. p. 2. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ↑ "Reed To Remain On Ballot". Union Springs Herald. August 3, 1978. p. 2. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ↑ "Hearing on Reed slated Dec. 14". Montgomery Advertiser. November 30, 1978. p. 40. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. 1 2 "Returns from all state House, Senate contests". Montgomery Advertiser. September 9, 1982. p. 42. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. 1 2 "Election Results Archive - Alabama Legislature". Secretary of State of Alabama. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Dominant Democratic Party In Alabama Takes Liberal Turn". The New York Times. October 25, 1983. p. 21. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Results in Alabama House races". The Anniston Star. November 9, 1983. p. 11A. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. 1 2 "Election Results Archive - Alabama Legislature". Secretary of State of Alabama. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Run-Off ..." Union Springs Herald. June 11, 1986. p. 8. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. 1 2 3 "Election Results Archive - Alabama Legislature". Secretary of State of Alabama. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023.
  36. ↑ "Hunt sets special election". Montgomery Advertiser. December 17, 1988. p. 1B. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ↑ "Democrats Colvin, Clay win house seat elections". The Anniston Star. March 15, 1989. p. 2B. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ↑ "Rep. Clay says courts will decide re-districting". Union Springs Herald. February 3, 1993. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. 1 2 "Reed wins right to seek public office". Montgomery Advertiser. March 14, 1994. p. 3C. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ↑ "Ex-lawmaker seeks re-election". Montgomery Advertiser. March 22, 1994. p. 2B. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. 1 2 "Official Democratic results from top primary races". Montgomery Advertiser. June 14, 1994. p. 3B. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. 1 2 "Reed handily wins House seat". Montgomery Advertiser. June 30, 1994. p. 2B. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. 1 2 "1994 Election Results Archive - Alabama Legislature". Secretary of State of Alabama. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Rep. Reed to campaign for speaker pro tem job". The Anniston Star. October 3, 1978. p. 5A. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ↑ "Sen. St. John President Pro Tem; McCorquodale Re-elected Speaker". Alabama Journal. January 9, 1979. p. 5A. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ↑ "Wallace picks win in House". Montgomery Advertiser. January 12, 1983. p. 1D. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ↑ "House Committees". Montgomery Advertiser. February 2, 1997. p. 28. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ↑ "House Committees". Montgomery Advertiser. February 2, 1997. p. 30. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. 1 2 "Grand jury indicts NAACP's Thomas Reed". Selma Times-Journal. June 17, 1988. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ↑ "Five named to Tuskegee board". Birmingham Post-Herald. November 14, 1980. p. A10. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ↑ "Reed Replaced". Montgomery Advertiser. October 12, 1988. p. 2C. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  52. ↑ "Senior Black Lawmaker Satisfied But Will March". Montgomery Advertiser. January 29, 1987. p. 10C. Archived from the original on June 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. ↑ "Alabama blacks in show of unity". The Anniston Star. February 8, 1987. p. 12B. Archived from the original on June 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  54. ↑ "Reed first black to head committee". The Anniston Star. January 15, 1975. p. 5B. Archived from the original on April 12, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  55. ↑ "Clark keeps pledge for diversity in House". Montgomery Advertiser. January 18, 1995. p. 3B. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. ↑ "House Committees". Montgomery Advertiser. February 2, 1997. p. 29. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  57. ↑ "Black Legislative Page". Tuskegee Progressive Times. June 10, 1971. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  58. ↑ "State Demos approve new delegate districts". Birmingham Post-Herald. January 31, 1972. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  59. ↑ "Demos Ask Expulsion Of Reed". Montgomery Advertiser. November 12, 1970. p. 26. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  60. ↑ "Reed ouster move must wait full year". Birmingham Post-Herald. November 17, 1970. p. 4. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  61. ↑ "Demo group urges write-ins". Alabama Journal. August 21, 1986. p. 2. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  62. ↑ "Four men qualify as Demo delegates". The Anniston Star. February 8, 1972. p. 10. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  63. ↑ "Reed's Bid As Delegate Challenged". Montgomery Advertiser. March 29, 1972. p. 21. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  64. ↑ "The Delegate Race". Alabama Journal. May 1, 1972. p. 4. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  65. ↑ "Wallace captures control of Alabama's delegation to Democratic convention". Birmingham Post-Herald. May 3, 1972. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  66. ↑ "Delegate Reed Will Support McGovern". Montgomery Advertiser. May 28, 1972. p. 16A. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  67. ↑ "180 Delegates File for 27 Demo Convention Slots". Montgomery Advertiser. March 21, 1976. p. 12A. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  68. ↑ "Not much in runoff to excite voters". Birmingham Post-Herald. May 18, 1976. p. A11. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  69. ↑ "Wallace Pads Delegate Total". Montgomery Advertiser. May 26, 1976. p. 10. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  70. ↑ "Carter receives House plaudits". Birmingham Post-Herald. July 8, 1976. p. B6. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ↑ "GOP Official May Challenge Alabama's Delegate Count". Alabama Journal. March 18, 1980. p. 16. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  72. ↑ "Expects good turnout". Montgomery Advertiser. February 5, 1984. p. 1B. Archived from the original on May 4, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  73. ↑ "Area delegates on ballots". The Anniston Star. May 5, 1988. p. 5A. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  74. ↑ "Alabama delegates listed". Montgomery Advertiser. July 17, 1988. p. 2A. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  75. ↑ "Reed dishonored King, Goodwin says". Alabama Journal. January 19, 1988. p. 1. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  76. ↑ "Reed apologizes to Wallace". The Anniston Star. January 22, 1988. p. 9A. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  77. ↑ "Wallace accepts Reed's apology". The Anniston Star. January 23, 1988. p. 4A. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  78. ↑ "Reed Charge Sought". Montgomery Advertiser. September 8, 1976. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  79. ↑ "Rep. Reed indicted, accused of offering bribe in dog racing". Birmingham Post-Herald. September 18, 1976. p. A1. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  80. ↑ "Perry testified Reed offered him a bribe for dog racing vote". Birmingham Post-Herald. December 7, 1976. p. A1. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  81. ↑ "Jurors begin deliberations". The Anniston Star. December 10, 1976. p. 8A. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  82. ↑ "Mistrial declared in Rep. Reed's case". The Anniston Star. December 12, 1976. p. 13B. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  83. ↑ "Mistrial declared in Rep. Reed's case". Alabama Journal. January 13, 1977. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  84. ↑ "Williams convicted for bribery". Montgomery Advertiser. May 21, 1977. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  85. ↑ "Reed Calls 3rd Trial Decision Legal Lynching". Alabama Journal. January 24, 1977. p. 15. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  86. ↑ "Rep. Reed says Sen. Perry demanded bribe from him". Birmingham Post-Herald. July 21, 1977. p. A5. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  87. ↑ "Rep. Reed Guilty, Fined $500". Alabama Journal. July 22, 1977. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  88. ↑ "Baxley's Opinion: Reed Out". Alabama Journal. October 19, 1977. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  89. ↑ "Reed says he won't resign". The Anniston Star. October 20, 1977. p. 9A. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  90. ↑ "Reed apparently to take House seat". Montgomery Advertiser. December 28, 1977. p. 9. Archived from the original on April 13, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  91. ↑ "Reed ouster sought". Selma Times-Journal. January 26, 1978. p. 3. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  92. ↑ "Phelps Dismisses Suit Seeking To Unseat Reed". Alabama Journal. February 24, 1978. p. 15. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  93. ↑ "Rep. Reed disqualified from office". The Anniston Star. December 16, 1978. p. 4A. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  94. ↑ "Court upholds Rep. Reed's conviction". Montgomery Advertiser. December 20, 1978. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  95. ↑ "Court Stays Rep. Reed Removal". Alabama Journal. December 27, 1978. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  96. ↑ "Reed is conditionally reinstated to House". Birmingham Post-Herald. December 28, 1978. p. C1. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  97. ↑ "Reed's Conviction Reversed". Alabama Journal. May 25, 1979. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  98. ↑ "Reed to collect back pay". Montgomery Advertiser. July 12, 1979. p. 36. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  99. ↑ "Reed To Get Salary, Interest". Alabama Journal. July 13, 1979. p. 7. Archived from the original on April 15, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  100. ↑ "Thomas Reed seeks compensation for trials". Montgomery Advertiser. November 19, 1980. p. 15. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  101. ↑ "Board awards Reed damages over suit". Montgomery Advertiser. January 8, 1981. p. 42. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  102. ↑ "Reed Owes Thousands On Business Debts, Records Show". Montgomery Advertiser. June 9, 1988. p. 1C. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  103. ↑ "Court records show Reed owes big money". Birmingham Post-Herald. June 9, 1988. p. C5. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  104. ↑ "FBI investigating lawmaker for talking parole kickback". The Anniston Star. May 19, 1988. p. 1D. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  105. ↑ "FBI investigating lawmaker for talking parole kickback". Montgomery Advertiser. May 20, 1988. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  106. ↑ "Reed facing charges of influence misuse". The Anniston Star. May 26, 1988. p. 15A. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  107. 1 2 "Extortion Charge Filed Against State Lawmaker". Montgomery Advertiser. May 26, 1988. p. 2A. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  108. ↑ "Chesser admits Reed link". Birmingham Post-Herald. June 4, 1988. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  109. ↑ "Grand Jury Discusses Reed Case". Montgomery Advertiser. June 8, 1988. p. 1C. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  110. ↑ "Reed to face state as well as federal charges". Birmingham Post-Herald. June 21, 1988. p. A7. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  111. ↑ "Reed Hit With State Charges". Montgomery Advertiser. June 21, 1988. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  112. ↑ "Baxley Now Defends Reed". Montgomery Advertiser. June 28, 1988. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  113. ↑ "Reed pleads not guilty to charges". Alabama Journal. June 28, 1988. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  114. ↑ "Legislator enters not guilty plea". Alabama Journal. July 28, 1988. p. 2. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  115. ↑ "Reed jury to hear Chesser tape". Birmingham Post-Herald. September 27, 1988. p. D1. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  116. ↑ "Reed guilty of extortion". Alabama Journal. September 30, 1988. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  117. ↑ "Reed vows not to resign". Montgomery Advertiser. October 2, 1988. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  118. ↑ "Reed Can Stay In Legislature Until Sentencing, Judge Says". Montgomery Advertiser. October 25, 1988. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  119. ↑ "Supreme Court refuses to rule on ex-Rep. Reed". Birmingham Post-Herald. November 30, 1988. p. E6. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  120. ↑ "The Alabama Scene". Abbeville Herald. May 11, 1989. p. 2. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  121. ↑ "Elections Needed To Fill State Seats". Montgomery Advertiser. November 11, 1988. p. 4A. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  122. ↑ "Reed gets 4-year prison term". Alabama Journal. November 18, 1988. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  123. ↑ "Reed Will Remain Free Until Appeal". Montgomery Advertiser. December 17, 1988. p. 1C. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  124. ↑ "Bribery conviction upheld". The Anniston Star. October 6, 1989. p. 13A. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  125. ↑ "Reed to serve time in Florida prison". Birmingham Post-Herald. December 6, 1989. p. E3. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  126. ↑ "Reed begins serving 4-year term for federal bribery conviction". Alabama Journal. December 7, 1989. p. 2A. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  127. ↑ "High court shoots down Reed's appeal". Alabama Journal. February 20, 1990. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  128. ↑ "Reed moved to halfway house". Montgomery Advertiser. December 29, 1990. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  129. ↑ "Indicted representative won't resign NAACP post". Montgomery Advertiser. June 18, 1988. p. 2A. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  130. ↑ "Reed's legal troubles hurt NAACP effort, official says". Montgomery Advertiser. January 1, 1989. p. 1C. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  131. ↑ "State NAACP still divided about Reed". Alabama Journal. August 22, 1989. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  132. ↑ "Reed re-elected to NAACP post despite felony". Montgomery Advertiser. August 20, 1989. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  133. ↑ "NAACP Board Devising Plan To Elect New President". Montgomery Advertiser. February 21, 1990. p. 1C. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  134. ↑ "Jackson elected NAACP leader". Montgomery Advertiser. June 3, 1990. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  135. ↑ "House Committees". Montgomery Advertiser. March 23, 1997. p. 17. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  136. ↑ "Rep. Reed dies after long career". Birmingham Post-Herald. October 28, 1997. p. 4. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  137. ↑ "Coroner says Rep. Reed died of cancer". Selma Times-Journal. November 21, 1997. p. 7. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  138. ↑ AP News (November 21, 1997). "Coroner Says Rep. Thomas Reed Died of Cancer". The Selma-times Journal. p. 7.
  139. ↑ "Reed's widow to fill board position". Montgomery Advertiser. December 19, 1997. p. 2C. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  140. ↑ "Ex-Tuskegee mayor to run for House". Montgomery Advertiser. September 16, 1997. p. 4. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  141. ↑ "Dates set for special election". Montgomery Advertiser. November 5, 1997. p. 9. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  142. ↑ "Rep. Reed's widow seeking house seat". Union Springs Herald. November 12, 1997. p. 1. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  143. ↑ "Reed's widow to face ex-Tuskegee mayor in runoff". Montgomery Advertiser. December 10, 1997. p. 25. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  144. ↑ "Ford wins Reed's house seat". Selma Times-Journal. January 1, 1998. p. 5. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  145. ↑ "Ex-mayor Ford easily wins House seat". Montgomery Advertiser. January 21, 1998. p. 7. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  146. ↑ "Executions ... To Be Legal Again In State?". Alabama Journal. May 7, 1971. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  147. ↑ "Imprisonment change sought for women". The Anniston Star. May 20, 1973. p. 9. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  148. ↑ "Rape bill passes House". The Anniston Star. July 18, 1987. p. 1A. Archived from the original on June 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  149. ↑ "18-year-vote". Birmingham Post-Herald. June 17, 1971. p. 2. Archived from the original on April 5, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  150. ↑ "AFL-CIO endorses Wallace delegates". The Anniston Star. March 22, 1976. p. 7. Archived from the original on April 12, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  151. ↑ "Legislator vows to climb dome, remove 'obnoxious' Confederate flag". Alabama Journal. December 30, 1987. p. 1. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  152. ↑ "Gov. Hunt fires off letter to writer about Rebel flag". The Anniston Star. February 20, 1988. p. 6A. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  153. ↑ "State NAACP Won't Support Flag Removal". Montgomery Advertiser. December 30, 1987. p. 1B. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  154. ↑ "Reed vows Confederate flag removal". Birmingham Post-Herald. January 29, 1988. p. A8. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  155. ↑ "Flag Flap: Reed May Face Arrest". Montgomery Advertiser. January 29, 1988. p. 1A. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  156. ↑ "Reed arrested at Capitol gate". Alabama Journal. February 2, 1988. p. 1. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  157. ↑ "Patterson: run it down". Selma Times-Journal. May 12, 1988. p. 1. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  158. ↑ "Reed praises former governor for Rebel flag comments". Alabama Journal. May 12, 1988. p. 4. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  159. ↑ "14 black lawmakers arrested at Capitol". The Anniston Star. February 3, 1988. p. 6A. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  160. ↑ "Judge Rules No Immunity In Flag Flap". Montgomery Advertiser. August 4, 1988. p. 1A. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  161. ↑ "14 flag trespassers convicted, fined $100". Selma Times-Journal. January 11, 1989. p. A1. Archived from the original on August 24, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  162. ↑ "Judge Restrains Alabama Hiring Of More Troopers". Alabama Journal. January 13, 1972. p. 13. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  163. ↑ "Suit to integrate Troopers is filed". The Anniston Star. January 4, 1972. p. 1. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  164. ↑ "NAACP not happy with trooper settlement". The Anniston Star. July 30, 1987. p. 1D. Archived from the original on June 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  165. ↑ "Proposed legislation calls for employment commission". The Anniston Star. September 2, 1987. p. 7A. Archived from the original on June 7, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  166. ↑ "Official Returns Confirm Election Of Two Negroes". Alabama Journal. November 9, 1970. p. 1. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
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