Shooti
@bambooshooti.bsky.social
Writer. Lifelong Democrat. Devil's Advocate. My spirit animal is the shrew. Unofficial historian of the Resistance. People call me Shooti.
Reese’s life is detailed in the autobiography Selma’s Self-Sacrifice, written by his grandsons. His legacy is also honored in Selma, where a portion of U.S. Route 80, starting at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, was named the Dr. Frederick D. Reese Parkway. /end
November 29, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Reese’s life is detailed in the autobiography Selma’s Self-Sacrifice, written by his grandsons. His legacy is also honored in Selma, where a portion of U.S. Route 80, starting at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, was named the Dr. Frederick D. Reese Parkway. /end
After the movement, Reese was elected to the Selma City Council, where he served for 14 years. In 2016, he received the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of all the Selma-to-Montgomery marchers. He died on April 5, 2018, at the age of 88, leaving behind a profound impact on American history. /6
November 29, 2025 at 1:57 AM
After the movement, Reese was elected to the Selma City Council, where he served for 14 years. In 2016, he received the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of all the Selma-to-Montgomery marchers. He died on April 5, 2018, at the age of 88, leaving behind a profound impact on American history. /6
Reese’s organizational efforts were instrumental in the voting rights events that unfolded in Selma, culminating in the “Bloody Sunday” march on the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the subsequent Selma to Montgomery marches. These events ultimately pressured Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act. /5
November 29, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Reese’s organizational efforts were instrumental in the voting rights events that unfolded in Selma, culminating in the “Bloody Sunday” march on the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the subsequent Selma to Montgomery marches. These events ultimately pressured Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act. /5
In January 1965, as president of the Selma Teachers Association, Reese mobilized Black teachers to march for their right to vote. Teachers represented the largest group of Black professionals in the county, and that action inspired the wider community and garnered national headlines. /4
November 29, 2025 at 1:57 AM
In January 1965, as president of the Selma Teachers Association, Reese mobilized Black teachers to march for their right to vote. Teachers represented the largest group of Black professionals in the county, and that action inspired the wider community and garnered national headlines. /4
In 1962, Reese became president of the Dallas County Voters League, the primary civil rights organization in Selma at the time. He was one of the “Courageous Eight” local Black leaders who invited MLK and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to join the local struggle for voting rights. /3
November 29, 2025 at 1:57 AM
In 1962, Reese became president of the Dallas County Voters League, the primary civil rights organization in Selma at the time. He was one of the “Courageous Eight” local Black leaders who invited MLK and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to join the local struggle for voting rights. /3
Reese was a science and math teacher and assistant principal in rural Alabama before returning to Selma in 1960 to teach at R.B. Hudson High School. On March 21, 1965, he became the pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, a position he held for more than 50 years. /2
November 29, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Reese was a science and math teacher and assistant principal in rural Alabama before returning to Selma in 1960 to teach at R.B. Hudson High School. On March 21, 1965, he became the pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, a position he held for more than 50 years. /2
#ResistanceRoots
Frederick Douglas Reese was born on this day in 1929 in Selma, Ala. A civil rights activist, educator and minister, he earned the nickname “Mr. Voting Rights” for his persistent nonviolent efforts and leadership that helped spur the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. /1
Frederick Douglas Reese was born on this day in 1929 in Selma, Ala. A civil rights activist, educator and minister, he earned the nickname “Mr. Voting Rights” for his persistent nonviolent efforts and leadership that helped spur the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. /1
November 29, 2025 at 1:57 AM
#ResistanceRoots
Frederick Douglas Reese was born on this day in 1929 in Selma, Ala. A civil rights activist, educator and minister, he earned the nickname “Mr. Voting Rights” for his persistent nonviolent efforts and leadership that helped spur the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. /1
Frederick Douglas Reese was born on this day in 1929 in Selma, Ala. A civil rights activist, educator and minister, he earned the nickname “Mr. Voting Rights” for his persistent nonviolent efforts and leadership that helped spur the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. /1
#ResistanceUnited
Bernie Moreno tried to bully a venture capital firm into keeping a dying plant open. He should have known it wouldn't work: He made a fortune off venture capital and voted for tax cuts for the wealthy that perpetuate this activity.
If a Repub promises a quick fix, they're lying.
Bernie Moreno tried to bully a venture capital firm into keeping a dying plant open. He should have known it wouldn't work: He made a fortune off venture capital and voted for tax cuts for the wealthy that perpetuate this activity.
If a Repub promises a quick fix, they're lying.
November 29, 2025 at 12:22 AM
#ResistanceUnited
Bernie Moreno tried to bully a venture capital firm into keeping a dying plant open. He should have known it wouldn't work: He made a fortune off venture capital and voted for tax cuts for the wealthy that perpetuate this activity.
If a Repub promises a quick fix, they're lying.
Bernie Moreno tried to bully a venture capital firm into keeping a dying plant open. He should have known it wouldn't work: He made a fortune off venture capital and voted for tax cuts for the wealthy that perpetuate this activity.
If a Repub promises a quick fix, they're lying.
The club’s owner, Barney Welansky, was connected to the mafia and had political ties that allowed him to flout safety rules. He was convicted of 19 counts of manslaughter and sentenced to 12 to 15 years in prison. He served nearly four years before being pardoned shortly before his death. /end
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
The club’s owner, Barney Welansky, was connected to the mafia and had political ties that allowed him to flout safety rules. He was convicted of 19 counts of manslaughter and sentenced to 12 to 15 years in prison. He served nearly four years before being pardoned shortly before his death. /end
The fire spurred a nationwide overhaul of fire and building codes. New standards mandated multiple, clearly marked, outward-opening exits; banned revolving doors as the sole exit; required emergency lighting and automatic sprinkler systems; and prohibited flammable decorations in public spaces. /6
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
The fire spurred a nationwide overhaul of fire and building codes. New standards mandated multiple, clearly marked, outward-opening exits; banned revolving doors as the sole exit; required emergency lighting and automatic sprinkler systems; and prohibited flammable decorations in public spaces. /6
Boston-area hospitals were well-prepared due to wartime drills, and pioneered new methods for treating burn and smoke inhalation victims. The event led to the widespread use of blood plasma and penicillin (a new drug at the time) and the development of modern fluid resuscitation techniques. /5
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Boston-area hospitals were well-prepared due to wartime drills, and pioneered new methods for treating burn and smoke inhalation victims. The event led to the widespread use of blood plasma and penicillin (a new drug at the time) and the development of modern fluid resuscitation techniques. /5
Locked and blocked exits prevented patrons from escaping. The main entrance was a single revolving door that quickly jammed with the crush of bodies. Panicked crowds pushed against inward-opening doors. A lack of illuminated exit signs left people stumbling in the dark and dense, toxic smoke. /4
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Locked and blocked exits prevented patrons from escaping. The main entrance was a single revolving door that quickly jammed with the crush of bodies. Panicked crowds pushed against inward-opening doors. A lack of illuminated exit signs left people stumbling in the dark and dense, toxic smoke. /4
The blaze likely began in the basement Melody Lounge, possibly due to faulty electrical wiring or a busboy lighting a match to replace a light bulb, which ignited the flammable decorations. The fire spread with incredible speed, turning the building into an inferno within minutes. /3
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
The blaze likely began in the basement Melody Lounge, possibly due to faulty electrical wiring or a busboy lighting a match to replace a light bulb, which ignited the flammable decorations. The fire spread with incredible speed, turning the building into an inferno within minutes. /3
The fire occurred on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. An estimated 1,000 people were in the club, more than double its legal capacity of 460. The club’s “South Seas” theme featured flammable decorations, including artificial palm trees and satin canopies, contributing to the fire’s rapid spread. /2
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
The fire occurred on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. An estimated 1,000 people were in the club, more than double its legal capacity of 460. The club’s “South Seas” theme featured flammable decorations, including artificial palm trees and satin canopies, contributing to the fire’s rapid spread. /2
#ResistanceRoots
Today in history, 1942: A catastrophic fire at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston claims 492 lives and injures hundreds more. It remains the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. Safety violations contributed to the high death toll, leading to major fire code reform. /1
Today in history, 1942: A catastrophic fire at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston claims 492 lives and injures hundreds more. It remains the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. Safety violations contributed to the high death toll, leading to major fire code reform. /1
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
#ResistanceRoots
Today in history, 1942: A catastrophic fire at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston claims 492 lives and injures hundreds more. It remains the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. Safety violations contributed to the high death toll, leading to major fire code reform. /1
Today in history, 1942: A catastrophic fire at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston claims 492 lives and injures hundreds more. It remains the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. Safety violations contributed to the high death toll, leading to major fire code reform. /1
However, the turkey industry was a temporary solution that never took hold in the area. Farmers returned to raising wheat and cattle when market conditions shifted and the grasshopper problem subsided. /end
November 27, 2025 at 10:49 PM
However, the turkey industry was a temporary solution that never took hold in the area. Farmers returned to raising wheat and cattle when market conditions shifted and the grasshopper problem subsided. /end
Other areas, including Montana and Colorado, used turkeys for grasshopper control in this period. It was a time of drought and economic hardship, and raising turkeys to eat the grasshoppers helped many families stay afloat, providing both pest control and a marketable product (the turkeys). /3
November 27, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Other areas, including Montana and Colorado, used turkeys for grasshopper control in this period. It was a time of drought and economic hardship, and raising turkeys to eat the grasshoppers helped many families stay afloat, providing both pest control and a marketable product (the turkeys). /3
Grasshoppers are a high-protein snack for turkeys, especially for growing young birds (poults). Turkeys also proved to be excellent grasshopper catchers. One 1937 article in The Bend Bulletin noted that a single turkey could consume around 1,000 grasshoppers per day. /2
November 27, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Grasshoppers are a high-protein snack for turkeys, especially for growing young birds (poults). Turkeys also proved to be excellent grasshopper catchers. One 1937 article in The Bend Bulletin noted that a single turkey could consume around 1,000 grasshoppers per day. /2
#ResistanceRoots
Did you know? In the 1930s, Klamath County, Ore., used wild turkeys to combat grasshoppers. Facing a grasshopper scourge during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, farmers in the Klamath Basin found success with this method when other measures, such as pesticides, had failed. /1
Did you know? In the 1930s, Klamath County, Ore., used wild turkeys to combat grasshoppers. Facing a grasshopper scourge during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, farmers in the Klamath Basin found success with this method when other measures, such as pesticides, had failed. /1
November 27, 2025 at 10:49 PM
#ResistanceRoots
Did you know? In the 1930s, Klamath County, Ore., used wild turkeys to combat grasshoppers. Facing a grasshopper scourge during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, farmers in the Klamath Basin found success with this method when other measures, such as pesticides, had failed. /1
Did you know? In the 1930s, Klamath County, Ore., used wild turkeys to combat grasshoppers. Facing a grasshopper scourge during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, farmers in the Klamath Basin found success with this method when other measures, such as pesticides, had failed. /1
George H.W. Bush was the first to grant an official presidential pardon to a turkey in 1989, declaring the bird would be “granted a presidential pardon as of right now.” This formalized the tradition of sparing the National Thanksgiving Turkey and sending it to live out its days on the farm. /end
November 27, 2025 at 8:11 PM
George H.W. Bush was the first to grant an official presidential pardon to a turkey in 1989, declaring the bird would be “granted a presidential pardon as of right now.” This formalized the tradition of sparing the National Thanksgiving Turkey and sending it to live out its days on the farm. /end
JFK was the first President to publicly spare a turkey. In 1963, he spontaneously decided to send the turkey given to the White House back to the farm, saying, “Let’s keep him going.” However, JFK’s action was informal, and the term “pardon” was not used in an official capacity at that time. /3
November 27, 2025 at 8:11 PM
JFK was the first President to publicly spare a turkey. In 1963, he spontaneously decided to send the turkey given to the White House back to the farm, saying, “Let’s keep him going.” However, JFK’s action was informal, and the term “pardon” was not used in an official capacity at that time. /3
Rhode Island poultry dealer Horace Vose began sending well-fed turkeys to the White House for Thanksgiving, both to publicize the Rhode Island poultry business and because he saw it as a civic duty. In 1947, the National Turkey Federation began officially providing a turkey to the President. /2
November 27, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Rhode Island poultry dealer Horace Vose began sending well-fed turkeys to the White House for Thanksgiving, both to publicize the Rhode Island poultry business and because he saw it as a civic duty. In 1947, the National Turkey Federation began officially providing a turkey to the President. /2
#ResistanceRoots
The tradition of sending a Thanksgiving turkey to the White House can be traced to the 1860s. President Lincoln reportedly received a turkey for Christmas dinner, and his son persuaded him to spare it. The more formal tradition of annual, official presentations began in 1873. /1
The tradition of sending a Thanksgiving turkey to the White House can be traced to the 1860s. President Lincoln reportedly received a turkey for Christmas dinner, and his son persuaded him to spare it. The more formal tradition of annual, official presentations began in 1873. /1
November 27, 2025 at 8:11 PM
#ResistanceRoots
The tradition of sending a Thanksgiving turkey to the White House can be traced to the 1860s. President Lincoln reportedly received a turkey for Christmas dinner, and his son persuaded him to spare it. The more formal tradition of annual, official presentations began in 1873. /1
The tradition of sending a Thanksgiving turkey to the White House can be traced to the 1860s. President Lincoln reportedly received a turkey for Christmas dinner, and his son persuaded him to spare it. The more formal tradition of annual, official presentations began in 1873. /1
However, wild turkey populations are decreasing again in some areas of the U.S., particularly the Midwest and South, after reaching a historic peak around 2004. Biologists attribute the decline to a combination of habitat loss, increased nest predation and climate change impacts. /end
November 27, 2025 at 4:53 PM
However, wild turkey populations are decreasing again in some areas of the U.S., particularly the Midwest and South, after reaching a historic peak around 2004. Biologists attribute the decline to a combination of habitat loss, increased nest predation and climate change impacts. /end
Then in 1951 a wildlife biologist determined that cannon nets could be used to capture wild turkeys. Biologists could then relocate the birds to areas where they were scarce. The wild turkey population rebounded by 1973. It’s one of the greatest conservation success stories of the 20th century. /2
November 27, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Then in 1951 a wildlife biologist determined that cannon nets could be used to capture wild turkeys. Biologists could then relocate the birds to areas where they were scarce. The wild turkey population rebounded by 1973. It’s one of the greatest conservation success stories of the 20th century. /2