Program Summary: Dr. Wilson Edward Reed, “Mississippi to Seattle,” June 3, 2021

Note: A program summary is on the way! Doc did a great job telling the story of his impressive journey from a young boy in Jim Crow’s Mississippi to becoming a Seattle University professor with four degrees! We are grateful to have him as a member.

Doc Reed

Wilson “Doc” Reed was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, into a family of farmers. He grew up in the small town of Redwood, which became the home of International Paper Company after buying up many of the small farms in the area.

Doc lived his early life during the Jim Crow era of the South that was regulated by twenty-two laws regarding race relationships.  Because of this strife nearly six million Americans fled the south and migrated to the north and the midwest.  He attended racially segregated schools. 

Doc’s mother died at age 36 from cancer and his family pretty much fell apart.  In 1969, he boarded a bus and traveled 2,600 miles, arriving in Seattle to live with his father’s family.  He attended the University of Washington and earned four degrees. 

He taught at Seattle University for seventeen years before retiring.  He is currently writing a book on poverty to Ph.D. and lives in Shoreline. He is a single Dad to a 21 year old son.

Education:

  • Ph.D., Political Science, Northern Arizona University
  • M.A., Criminal Justice, State University of New York at Albany
  • M.A., Political Science, University of Washington
  • B.A., Political Science / African American Studies, University of Washington

Visit Dr. Reed’s Website here.

Eric Ramsing’s Notes:

  1. Ranken introduced the Speaker, Dr. Wilson “Doc” Reed. Also known by the sobriquet “June Bug”.
    1. Born and raised in Vicksburg, Mississippi on a family farm
    2. Reed spoke of the Jim Crow laws growing up in Mississippi while showing family photos of youth.
    3. Talked of how life under the harsh rule of segregation and uneven interpretation of the rule of law, and of unspoken “law”, resulted in a feeling of self-inferiority.
    4. Imparted his historic support system composed of Leaders, Teachers, Parents and Clergy.
    5. Four degress:
      1. University of Washington, BA and a MA in Political Science
      2. Masters degree in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York-Albany
      3. Ph.D. in Political Science at Northern Arizona University
  1. “Vicksburg to Seattle” in 1969 by bus.