by John Reid

On Saturday, co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Foundation and Chairman Bishop Dean Nelson passed away after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 55.

Among his many accomplishments, he was the Senior Fellow of African American Affairs at the Family Research Council. A native of the Washington DC metro area, he graduated from Fauquier High School. In addition, he was a minister, ordained bishop, and community leader who dedicated his life fighting for the sanctity of life, righteousness, justice, liberty and virtue. He helped establish the Frederick Douglass Foundation and founded the Douglass Leadership Institute based on those principles.

One of his dear friends, Bishop John Reid of John Reid Ministries, released the following statement: “A voice such as Dean Nelson cannot be replaced, he was a once in a lifetime gift. He opened many doors for me as a Pastor and Bishop. He transcended both politics and religion.”

“His ministry and organization served as both a bridge and a voice for biblical truth and social justice.”

He is survived by his wife Julia, and their three adult children.