LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A man who championed for justice, equity and opportunity in Louisville has passed away.

Manfred Reid Sr., who served as board chair emeritus with Louisville Metro Housing Authority died Sunday.

Reid was a pillar in the city’s civic landscape, joining the LMHA Board of Commissioners in 1999 and served for more than 23 years. He retired in 2022 and was honored with the title in recognition of his decades-long dedication to safe, affordable and inclusive housing.

“Mr. Reid’s impact cannot be overstated,” said LMHA Executive Director Elizabeth Strojan. “His wisdom, his advocacy, and his vision for a fair Louisville will continue to inspire our work for generations to come.”

Reid championed collaboration between residents, local officials and law enforcement. He consistently encouraged community involvement and believed trust and accountability were key to building strong neighborhoods.

Reid’s activism and fight for justice goes back more than five decades.

In May 1968, a demonstration took place in Parkland neighborhood against a police officer who was reinstated after being suspended for beating a Black schoolteacher.

The demonstrations led to rioting that left several businesses vandalized and burned.

Reid, and five others know as the “Black Six,” were used as scapegoats and falsely charged with conspiring in connection to the unrest and were also accused of planning to blow up oil refineries in the west end.

The charges were eventually dismissed in 1970 due to lack of evidence.

Decades later, Black Six members received an apology from former Mayor Greg Fischer on the city’s behalf and a historic marker dedicated in 2022.

Reid’s visitation will take place on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the funeral service on Saturday at 11 a.m. Both will take place at St. Stephen Baptist Church.

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