Frederick Reed is the owner of multiple business such as: Read To Learn Academy Inc, Ribbons And Bows Daycare Inc, F&C Empire LLC, Studio 505 and Reed’s Refuge, as well as this week’s #PeopleofWilmDE! Read his story below:
“I was born and raised in the city of Wilmington. I grew up in the Riverside projects. I’m the youngest of nine children and I have a town brother. I went to William Penn High School, my first job was at the PAL Center as a youth counselor. I live in New Castle currently and I work on the northeast side of Wilmington.
Being in Wilmington has helped me grow my business because the residents are familiar with me and my character speaks for itself. I continue to work in Wilmington because I’ve been very successful here. My businesses are doing well and I love giving back to the community that I was raised in, serving as a role model as well as a public figure in the city of Wilmington.
I’m very active in the community and in many ways have provided jobs and opportunities for families. I have created a safe haven for our youth through Reed’s Refuge where they can learn and use their unique talents and gifts.
My main concern is how we, as a city, are losing our children to violence. I’m hoping that we eventually get tired of the discord and start to unify and work together to bring an end to it. My hope is that everyone can work together as a community and families can feel safe again.
One of my favorite stories of being in Wilmington is the time I was sitting on the steps of 1505 East 27th Street with my brother Derrick Reed and friends Arnold Dorset and David Graham. It was in the early 90s and Channel 6 News was riding by and heard us singing and stopped by and started recording us. Our group was called 4-U and it’s where I started my singing career. Another favorite memory is when I met my wife playing football in Riverside 32 years ago. We’ve been married for 35 years and enjoy our 9 children!
My proudest moment living in Wilmington would be winning local and the National Jefferson Awards in 2017. Additionally purchasing my dream building which is about 39,000 square feet and using it for servicing the youth and families in our community. One of my favorite memories was being at ‘Friday Night’ in World Cafe Live (now the Queen Theater) because I got the chance to perform there.
Some advice I would like to give to people living and working in Wilmington is to continue to believe and have faith that change is on its way and never give up!”
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