Joe L. Reed was born in Evergreen, AL. Reed is a powerhouse politician in the State of Alabama, most notably known for his work with the Alabama State Teachers Association (later to merge with the Alabama Education Association) and the Alabama Democratic Conference. Reed graduated from Alabama State University in 1962. During his time on campus he served as Student Body President and was involved in student protest on campus. On February 25, 1960, Reed was one of twenty-nine ASU students, inspired by the sit-in campaign at North Carolina A&T University on February 1, 1960, sat in at a Montgomery County courthouse lunch counter. Reed married Mollie Perry-Reed in 1964, and they have three children Irva, Joe, and Steven.