McCabe United Methodist Church, where the Rev. Jana Hall-Perkins tends her flock, and the Ligon family celebrated the life of Dr. Reginald Ligon at the seventh annual James B. Sanderlin Black History Award Ceremony on Feb. 18.
BY RAVEN JOY SHONEL | Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG – McCabe United Methodist Church held its seventh annual James B. Sanderlin Black History Award Ceremony on Feb. 18.
Judge Sanderlin, the first Black judge in Pinellas County, is a local civil right legend, who in 1960s, used litigation to fight for equality and against discrimination in Pinellas County. McCabe established the award with support from the Sanderlin family to keep his legacy alive in the community.
This year’s recipient was given posthumously to Dr. Reginald Ligon, who dedicated himself to his family and the community.
Dr. Reginald Ligon
Dr. Ligon was the middle of three children born to Margaret and Julius Ligon Sr. on Oct. 3, 1950, in Terre Haute, Ind. During his early education in Indiana, he was a high academic achiever and gifted athlete, playing football, basketball and swimming competitively with the YMCA and local park programs. He became an avid fisherman and marksman with a bow and arrow and rifle.
After completing his dental school prerequisites at Indiana State University, Ligon was granted early admission into Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, where he completed his post-graduate work in dental implantology.
Following his brother, Julius Ligon, Jr., to Florida, the two worked together until Julius’ death. Ligon and his wife Mendee — whom he met at a dental convention in 1978 — eventually took over the practice after his brother’s death and moved it from 22nd Street South to Central Avenue. The husband-and-wife dentistry team worked side-by-side for decades.
Ligon immersed himself in the St. Petersburg community, completing Leadership St. Pete, which motivated him to join the St. Petersburg Suncoasters, eventually becoming the president of the organization. Through his development, relationships, and civic and social organizations, he became the first African American to serve as the founding trustee of Freedom Bank of America.
His civic involvement extended to the St. Petersburg Community Alliance, the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Campaign, which he helped found the south St. Pete division. He led his family in hosting civic endeavors in law, education, health and wellness and the arts.
Ligon served on many community boards, including the All Children’s Hospital, now known as Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and boards that focused on improving access and health services to poor and underserved communities. He often volunteered his dental services at pregnancy centers and to the county for those without insurance.
Dr. Ligon was a member of McCabe where he served as finance chairperson and in other positions, and was a dedicated member of the Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. Fraternity, where he ensured youth programs were implemented among other duties.
On March 3, 2018, the City of St. Petersburg renamed the Lakewood Baseball Complex to the Dr. Reggie Ligon Baseball Complex.
His love for the youth in his community led to the construction of the Little League field at Lake Vista Recreation Center, where Dr. Ligon spent many years leading the organization.
After speaking with other leagues around town about tournament play, he was met with resistance because they didn’t want to drive their kids to the south side of town, which was unacceptable to Dr. Ligon. He approached the Pinellas County School Board about the vacant land behind Lakewood High School, and the Bay Point Little League field was constructed. Once the field was built, he could be seen cleaning and maintaining it.
In 2018, the field was renamed the Dr. Reggie Ligon Baseball Complex.
The development of ongoing health challenges forced him to retire from his dental practice, and on Aug. 20, 2017, he passed away. His legacy of caring and service continues to thrive in St. Petersburg, and what he and his wife started is being continued through their son, Dr. Brian Ligon, who now runs the Ligon Dental Group.
Dr. Brian Ligon
“Thank you for honoring my father’s legacy,” said Brian Ligon. “I’m a man of few words. I believe he was, as well. He was a man of action, and he definitely put himself out there for others. He wanted to serve his community. If he were still here, he’d still be practicing. He loved dentistry and serving others so much. So, I’m doing my best to fulfill his legacy. I know that my family is as well.”
Attorney John Richardson of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity said when he became active in the fraternity, Dr. Ligon caught his eye. He said he was a man worth watching and emulating.
“I noticed that he was established in this community. I mean fully established, and I was impressed by that,” said Richardson. “I liked the fact that he was not intimidated by a strong woman who was beautiful and opinionated.”
Irving Sanchez III, owner of Sanchez Rehoboth Mortuary and Cremation Services, said Dr. Ligon paved the way for him to become a business owner through Freedom Bank. When other banks said no, Dr. Ligon made sure he was able to secure a loan.
“People need to know the doors that Dr. Reggie opened through Freedom Bank,” Sanchez said.
Dr. Mendee Ligon was on hand to honor her husband’s legacy. She revealed how her husband helped her pursue her passion for real estate. The dynamic duo purchased houses and listed them with the St. Petersburg Housing Authority.
“Out of those eight family homes, six of those tenants still have those houses,” she asserted. “We sold houses to people at a fair price. We could not have done that if we had not worked together.”
Mendee Ligon said recently she was thanked by one of her former tenants for selling them the house 22 years ago.
“I’m so proud of how successful my marriage and our business partnership was,” she stated. “And it just goes to show you that it takes more than one person, and you have to be on the same page and support each other in whatever you do in marriage, in business, in community. I’m so proud of that legacy.”
Photo Gallery
Irving Sanchez III, owner of Sanchez Rehoboth Mortuary and Cremation Services, said Dr. Ligon paved the way for him to become a business owner through Freedom Bank.
Attorney John Richardson of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity said Dr. Ligon was a man worth watching and emulating.
Dr. Reginald Ligon's sister, Michelle Ligon, and son, Dr. Brian Ligon.
Dr. Ligon's Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity brother Charles Williams.
On March 3, 2018, the City of St. Petersburg renamed the Lakewood Baseball Complex to the Dr. Reggie Ligon Baseball Complex.
Dr. Brian Ligon
McCabe United Methodist Church, where the Rev. Jana Hall-Perkins tends her flock, and the Ligon family celebrated the life of Dr. Reginald Ligon at the seventh annual James B. Sanderlin Black History Award Ceremony on Feb. 18.
