PEF member connected to public school desegregation to be honored

ALBANY, NY (05/18/2026) (readMedia)-- The New York State Senate will commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case that forced public schools to desegregate by honoring the late Dorothy Reid, an original plaintiff in the Supreme Court decision.

Reid was a longtime member of the Public Employees Federation, working for New York State for 28 years as a State Safety Officer, Social Worker and Case Manager for what is now the Office of Mental Health. Her daughter, Renee Reid, continues the family tradition of state service as a parole officer and PEF member with the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

There will be a press conference at 1 p.m. on the fourth floor outside the Senate Chamber and a brief ceremony on the Senate floor at 3 p.m.

WHO:

Speakers include: PEF Vice President Bruce Giddings, PEF Region 9 Coordinator and NYS Parole Officer Gabriela Franklyn, NYS Sen. Robert Jackson, NYS Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Renee Reid and family.
WHAT:

 NYS Senate ceremony recognizing Dorothy Reid's role in helping desegrate U.S. schools.
WHEN: Tuesday May 19, 2026 at 01:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: NYS Capitol
Fourth Floor outside Senate chamber
Albany, New York
NOTES:

 Multbox will be provided for podium audio. 1:1 interviews available upon request.