Recognizing the Life of John Reed

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of John Reed, a history teacher, civil rights activist, and cherished member of the Cape Cod community.

The third of five children, John was born on September 28, 1950, to parents George and Rachel Reed. John was raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts. It was in this same the neighborhood where John first met his wife, Karen, in junior high. The two attended Dorchester High School together and had their first date at their junior year prom.

After graduating from Dorchester High School in 1968, John attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he received both his bachelor's and master's in history and education. Tutoring his classmates and peers all throughout school, John always had a passion for mentoring and helping others from a young age. John continued this passion as a teacher at Barnstable High School in 1973, where he taught history for 35 years. During his time at Barnstable High School, John served as a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association, as well as a member and the President of the Barnstable Teachers Association.

John constantly strove to support and better the lives of his students, especially his students of color. In 1993, John took on the role of Barnstable High School's attendance and equity officer. John also started the Imani Club, which celebrates and advocates for students of color at Barnstable High School. The club's name comes from the Swahili word for faith and belief. John's commitment to improving equity and diversity in schools did not go unnoticed, John was awarded the Human and Civil Rights Award from the Massachusetts Teachers Association in 1993 and the H. Councill Trenholm Memorial Award from the National Education Association in 2008.

John's efforts to further human and equal rights were not just limited to the classroom. John served as the President of the Cape Cod chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for 17 years from 1991 until 2008. Additionally, he founded the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission in 2005, as well as the Barnstable County Human Rights Academy for students across Cape Cod. John was also a co-founder of the Zion Union Heritage Museum in Hyannis, which celebrates the African American and Cape Verdean population on Cape Cod.

Sadly, John left us too soon on February 10, 2023, at the age of 72. A celebration of life is being held on April 29, 2023, to celebrate and reflect on the lasting impact John has left on the lives of his students and so many others across Cape Cod. Whether during his time at Barnstable High School, his years as the Cape Cod NAACP President, or his work with the Zion Union Heritage Museum, John's dedication to advancing civil rights and giving a voice to marginalized communities serves as an example to all.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of John Reed and ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his lifetime commitment to supporting and advocating for those in his community.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source