PSAA: Common Cause 1994 Public Service Achievement Awards

When Joe Reed was a young teacher, Alabama's schools were segregated. Racism and discrimination reigned at every level of government. Voting rights didn't exist. And the notion of an African-American rising through the ranks of the Democratic Party to become a powerful player in Alabama politics seemed impossible.

But this never deterred Reed, who today stands as an embodiment of achievement in education and politics alike. He is chair of the Alabama State University board and chair of the Alabama Democratic Conference, serves as associate executive secretary of the Alabama Education Association, and is a member of the Montgomery City Council.

Reed's longtime goal, achieved through forceful advocacy and a keen appreciation of the political process, has been to involve African-Americans at every level of government and education -- to "wreck the wall of discrimination," as he puts it. Among other achievements, Reed recently drafted a redistricting plan for Alabama, which goes into effect this year, to empower more African-American voters.

Critics and admirers alike point to Reed's round-the-clock work habits and his commitment to get things done. He says he is …

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Publication information: Article title: PSAA: Common Cause 1994 Public Service Achievement Awards. Contributors: Not available. Magazine title: Common Cause Magazine. Volume: 20. Issue: 2 Publication date: Summer 1994. Page number: 24+. © 1991 Common Cause Magazine. COPYRIGHT 1994 Gale Group.

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