A Family Legacy of Public Service
Harold Ford Sr. was a prominent American politician who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 1997. He was the first African American to represent Tennessee in Congress since Reconstruction. Ford’s wife, Dorothy Bussy, was an active community leader and supporter of her husband’s career.
Ford was born on May 20, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the son of Harold Edward Ford, a dentist, and Dorothy Binford Ford. Ford attended LeMoyne-Owen College and Howard University before earning his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
After graduating from law school, Ford returned to Memphis and began his political career. He was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1972 and served until 1974. In 1974, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served until 1997.
During his time in Congress, Ford served on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. He was a strong advocate for civil rights and economic justice. Ford was also a supporter of the Vietnam War and the Reagan administration’s economic policies.
In 1997, Ford retired from Congress and returned to Memphis. He continued to be active in politics, serving as a senior adviser to his son, Harold Ford Jr., who was elected to the United States Senate in 2006.
Dorothy Bussy was born on January 29, 1947, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the daughter of John Bussy, a physician, and Dorothy Brewer Bussy. Bussy attended Talladega College and Howard University before earning her master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan.
After graduating from college, Bussy returned to Memphis and began her career as an educator. She taught in the Memphis City Schools system for over 20 years. Bussy was also an active community leader. She served on the boards of several organizations, including the Urban League of Memphis and the NAACP.
Bussy was a strong supporter of her husband’s political career. She often campaigned for him and helped him with his constituent services. Bussy was also a close adviser to her husband. She provided him with her insights on political issues and helped him to develop his policies.
Ford and Bussy were married for over 50 years. They had two children, Harold Ford Jr. and Jake Ford. Ford passed away on October 22, 2009, at the age of 64. Bussy continues to live in Memphis.
The Fords’ Legacy
Harold Ford Sr. and Dorothy Bussy Ford were a remarkable couple who made significant contributions to their community and country. Ford was a groundbreaking politician who fought for civil rights and economic justice. Bussy was a dedicated educator and community leader who supported her husband’s career.
The Fords’ legacy is one of love, service, and achievement. They were a role model for African Americans and for all Americans who believe in the power of public service.
Tables
Table 1: Harold Ford Sr.’s Political Career
| Year | Office |
|---|---|
| 1972-1974 | Tennessee House of Representatives |
| 1974-1997 | United States House of Representatives |
Table 2: Dorothy Bussy Ford’s Career
| Year | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 1970-1990 | Educator, Memphis City Schools |
| 1990-present | Community leader and activist |
Table 3: Harold Ford Sr. and Dorothy Bussy Ford’s Family
| Name | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Harold Edward Ford | Father |
| Dorothy Binford Ford | Mother |
| John Bussy | Father-in-law |
| Dorothy Brewer Bussy | Mother-in-law |
| Harold Ford Jr. | Son |
| Jake Ford | Son |
Table 4: Harold Ford Sr. and Dorothy Bussy Ford’s Legacy
| Legacy |
|—|—|
| Civil rights advocate |
| Economic justice advocate |
| Educator |
| Community leader |
| Role model for African Americans |
| Role model for public service |