2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 686

Commending the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson Reid.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 20, 2025

WHEREAS, the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson Reid, a distinguished physician and civil rights leader who made history as the first Black member of the General Assembly in the 20th century, celebrates his 100th birthday in 2025; and

WHEREAS, born in Richmond, the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson “Fergie” Reid earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Union University and a medical degree from Howard University School of Medicine before completing his medical internship and residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis; and

WHEREAS, Fergie Reid served his country with honor and distinction as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in the 1st Marine Division in Korea and later at the United States Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, in 1955, Fergie Reid opened a private surgical practice in Richmond, becoming the first Black surgeon in the city, and he overcame a number of discriminatory policies to serve his patients with great care and compassion for several years; and

WHEREAS, during the era of Massive Resistance, Fergie Reid cofounded the Richmond Crusade for Voters, an organization dedicated to registering and mobilizing Black voters; and

WHEREAS, Fergie Reid was elected to the 35th House District of the House of Delegates in 1967 and faithfully represented the residents of the City of Richmond and Henrico County until 1973, during which time he also played an instrumental role in opening the page program to women and minorities; and

WHEREAS, in 1977, Fergie Reid left his private practice and served as a regional medical officer with the Department of State, and in later years he also served as a certified specialist in addictive diseases, helping many to a path of better health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, in honor of Fergie Reid's 90th birthday, the 90 for 90 campaign was launched in Virginia with a mission to register 90 new voters in each of the Commonwealth's precincts; and

WHEREAS, through his work as a physician, community leader, and public servant, Fergie Reid has broken down barriers and made a meaningful and lasting impact on Richmond and the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson Reid hereby be commended on the occasion of his 100th birthday; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Honorable Dr. William Ferguson Reid as an expression of the House of Delegate's profound respect for his legacy of service.