Regina Jollivette Frazier is an esteemed and enduring leader on our Breakthrough Miami Board of Directors and a renowned and respected community changemaker.
Regina passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024, leaving a legacy marked by impactful contributions, notable achievements, and unwavering excellence. She is fondly known within our Breakthrough Village, across South Florida, and the nation as a powerful and passionate force for education equity, rigor, and high-quality experiences to advance children of color and our whole community.
Regina was born on September 30, 1943, in Miami, Florida, to pharmacist Cyrus Martin Jollivette, who founded Liberty City’s Community Drug store in 1948, and teacher Frances Reeves Jollivette Chambers, the youngest daughter of The Miami Times founder Henry E.S. Reeves. Regina graduated Valedictorian from Northwestern Senior High School in 1961, received her B.S. degree in pharmacy from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1966, and her M.B.A. degree from the University of Miami in 1983. She served as Director of Pharmacy, at the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics and was a preceptor for the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy as well as a Clinical Field Instructor for Florida A&M University’s College of Pharmacy.
Regina’s commitment to community service was exemplified through her selfless volunteerism and numerous board memberships. She joined The Links, Incorporated, in 1970, and served as National President (1986- 1990), the youngest person to hold the position. She served as chairperson of the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida and served on the Boards of the United Way of Miami-Dade, New World School of the Arts, National Coalition on Black Voter Participation, the Commonwealth Institute, YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade, Miami-Dade County Addiction Services, and of course, Breakthrough Miami. Regina was also a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Orange Bowl Committee, and the International Women’s Forum. Regina received numerous recognition awards, including Ebony Magazine’s One Hundred Most Influential Black Americans (1987-1990).
Regina was a crucial part of furthering Breakthrough Miami’s mission and programs. First elected to our board in 2009, her steady leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence ensured the building, safeguarding, and protection of our organization’s reputation as an upstanding and high-quality non-profit. Our Board Chair, Jeffrey Miller, affectionately referred to Regina as Breakthrough Miami’s “check and balances.” She was a steady presence and committed leader throughout the organization’s building years. In addition to her service as Secretary on the Board’s Executive Committee, Regina found numerous ways to connect our community and provide new opportunities for our Scholars. Regina was the lead connector behind our Art Detectives Program with The Links Incorporated, in partnership with The Perez Art Museum Miami, connecting our youth to community leaders, local artists, and law enforcement through contemporary art.
Regina’s contributions to Breakthrough Miami were recognized as an honoree in Breakthrough Miami’s 30th anniversary tribute.
Beyond her official roles, Regina’s beloved Birthday Club, a testament to generosity and celebration of community, paved new pathways to opportunity each year in their honor. Inspired by Regina’s leadership, we established an annual Black History Month Essay Contest five years ago in Honor of – Garth C. Reeves, Sr., her uncle, publisher emeritus, and Chief Executive of The Miami Times. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of African Americans in South Florida,” reflects Regina and her family’s deep understanding of the importance of sharing the everyday stories of courage and contribution. Regina enjoyed serving as a judge for the contest and engaging our Scholars whose writings creatively captured the stories of those who contributed to their communities, including their parents and grandparents. Her many gifts and investments included giving graduating Scholars the Linkages & Legacies book, a powerful account of Black History in our community.
Regina’s enduring legacy, characterized by friendship, love, community, and lasting impact, remains an integral part of Breakthrough Miami’s history and an inspiration for the future. As we mourn her loss, we draw inspiration from Regina’s legacy, ensuring that her light continues to shine brightly in our Village.
Regina, you will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
