Senate Resolution No. 1903

BY: Senator JACKSON

HONORING the life and legacy of Dorothy E. Reid
and commemorating her historic role in Brown v.
Board of Education on the 72nd Anniversary of the
Supreme Court's decision

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished individuals whose lives of courage, service,
and dedication have profoundly shaped the history and progress of our
Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body pauses to commemorate the 72nd
Anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in
Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public
schools unconstitutional and marked a defining victory in the Civil
Rights Movement; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy E. Reid, affectionately known as "Dot," was a
courageous trailblazer whose role in this historic case forever altered
the course of American history; and

WHEREAS, Born on February 25, 1937, in Meherrin, Virginia, to the
late John Franklin Davis, Sr., and Sallie Elizabeth Davis, Dorothy Reid
was raised with strong values of faith, resilience, and the enduring
belief that education is the pathway to opportunity; and

WHEREAS, At just 14 years old, Dorothy Reid demonstrated
extraordinary bravery as a plaintiff in Davis v. Prince Edward County
School Board, one of the cases consolidated into Brown v. Board of
Education, helping to dismantle the legal foundation of segregation in
American public education; and

WHEREAS, Her courageous stand at such a young age exemplified a
profound commitment to justice and equality, inspiring generations and
leaving an indelible mark on the fight for civil rights; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy Reid pursued higher education with determination,
earning degrees from Norfolk State University and Brooklyn Community
College, and dedicating her professional life to public service; and

WHEREAS, For 28 years, she faithfully served the people of the State
of New York in various roles within the Department of Mental Health
Services, including State Safety Officer, Social Worker, Case Manager,
and Program Director, carrying out her duties with integrity,
compassion, and unwavering dedication; and

WHEREAS, A woman of deep faith, Dorothy Reid was a lifelong servant
of her community, first at New Bethel Baptist Church in Virginia and
later as a devoted member of Bethany Baptist Church in Queens, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Her leadership and historic contributions were recognized
nationally, including an invitation to the White House by President
Richard Nixon, as well as numerous honors from the NAACP and recognition

in esteemed institutions such as the Robert Russa Moton Museum and the
National Museum of African American History and Culture; and

WHEREAS, Beyond her historic achievements, Dorothy Reid was a
devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and mentor whose words-"knowledge
is power" and "family is the anchor"-served as guiding principles that
uplifted and inspired all who knew her; and

WHEREAS, She was a source of unwavering love, wisdom, and strength,
remembered as a guiding light, a steadfast advocate for justice, and a
compassionate presence in the lives of her family, friends, and
community; and

WHEREAS, Dorothy E. Reid passed away peacefully on September 25,
2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a powerful legacy of courage,
faith, and service that will continue to inspire future generations;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and legacy of Dorothy E. Reid, recognizing her
extraordinary contributions to civil rights and public service, and
commemorating her role in the 72nd Anniversary of Brown v. Board of
Education; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dorothy E. Reid.