LOUISVILLE (June 9, 2022) – Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer today presented Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) Board Chair Manfred Reid Sr. with an honorary Key to the City.
Fischer described Reid as a “real source of inspiration” as he presented the recognition to the outgoing chairman during a surprise event at Louisville Central Community Centers, Inc (LCC).
Reid joined LMHA’s Board of Commissioners in 1999 after the agency requested a resident to serve as the first such representative. He has served as board chair since 2000. As chairman, Reid has successfully directed all board meetings according to LMHA bylaws, represented the agency at public events, and collaborated with LMHA executives to ensure the agency meets its goals.
“I want to thank the staff at LMHA,” Reid remarked while accepting his award. “All the praise needs to go toward the staff, the people who do the work. The people who advise me in carrying out my duties.”
Reid relocated to Louisville with his family from the Eastern Kentucky town of Lothair in 1944. The former real estate broker was also one of six black Louisvillians accused of conspiring to destroy buildings in the West End in 1968. The group – also known as “The Black 6” - was acquitted by a judge two years later. The events connected to the trial directed Reid into the role of community and affordable housing advocate.
Additional ceremony speakers included LMHA Executive Director Lisa Osanka, photographer Clinton Bennett, and LCCC Director Kevin Fields.
Reid has taken advantage of his role as board chair to discuss the importance of diversifying low-income communities and updating these areas with the latest technology. His ideas have helped LMHA invest in the Russell neighborhood and update or replace nearly all of Louisville’s publicly owned housing complexes. His final day as LMHA chairman is June 21, 2022. Following his departure, Reid will work closely with LMHA staff as Emeritus Chair.
Watch the event HERE via MetroTV. 
