Manfred Reid Sr., a housing advocate and member of Louisville’s ‘Black Six,’ dies at 89
Manfred Reid Sr., board chair emeritus for the Louisville Metro Housing Authority and a defendant in the landmark Black Six trial, died on Oct. 12. He was 89.
Reid was one of six Black activists and business owners in west Louisville who were wrongly accused of plotting to destroy properties in the area during the 1968 Parkland rebellion. The group was arrested on conspiracy charges and became known as “the Black Six.”
After nearly two years, the case went to trial, where Judge Rush Nicholson ruled prosecutors lacked enough evidence to meet the charges and directed the jury to issue a verdict of not guilty. Despite their acquittal, the members of the Black Six did not receive an apology until 2022, when then-mayor Greg Fisher formally apologized on behalf of the city and a marker was installed outside Metro Hall.
Mayor Greg Fischer shakes the hand if Manfred Reid Sr. at the unveiling of a historical marker in honor of the Louisville Black Six. A group of business people and activists falsely accused in 1968 of plotting to destroy buildings in the West End. Dec. 30, 2022
Jecorey Arthur, an activist and former Metro Council member, said Reid was a “source of inspiration” who quietly commanded the respect of his fellow activists and community leaders.
“He was genuine, he was gentle and he was all about justice,” Arthur said.
Reid’s story, he said, and his continuing presence within the community helped motivate a generation of younger activists, including Arthur.
“I might not be here doing the work that I do if it weren’t for his legacy and the history I learned from him,” Arthur said.
In 1999, Reid joined LMHA’s Board of Commissioners, working to ensure all residents received safe, affordable and inclusive housing within in the city. Upon his retirement from the board in 2022, he was named board chair emeritus.
“Mr. Reid’s impact cannot be overstated,” LMHA Executive Director Elizabeth Strojan wrote in a press release on Oct. 14. “His wisdom, his advocacy, and his vision for a fair Louisville will continue to inspire our work for generations to come.”
Manfred Reid Sr., one of the Louisville Black Six, talked at the ceremony that would unveil their historical marker at Metro Hall . A group of business people and activists falsely accused in 1968 of plotting to destroy buildings in the West End. Dec. 31, 2022
Reid was intimately involved with public housing in Louisville both as an LMHA board member and a resident of the Beecher Terrace community. Arthur recalled randomly meeting Reid during his campaign for Metro Council, a serendipitous afternoon of door-knocking that turned into a conversation about Reid’s experiences and work within the city.
“He was representative of the residents,” Arthur said. “He was still currently involved in the affairs and working on behalf of the residents.”
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 17, with a funeral service at 11 a.m. Oct. 18, according to Reid’s obituary. Both services will take place at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 1018 S. 15th St.
Reach reporter Keely Doll at kdoll@courierjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville housing advocate Manfred Reid Sr. dies at 89
