The Story



We are All Antarctica is a story about my father George W. Gibbs, Jr’s adventures as the first person of African descent to set foot on the continent of Antarctica. He sailed on the famous ship the USS Bear in 1939 to 1941 on Admiral Byrd’s III expedition to the South Pole. It was the first joint venture with the US military and private exploration. Gibbs went on to serve humanity in countless ways, paving the way for not only people of color in the community of Rochester, MN but for all people to become more human, serve their community and appreciate differences.

Through compassion, tenacity, faith and countless hours in the trenches, Gibbs’ life is a model for community service, equality and fun. As the lowest rank on the ship, he was honored for his contribution at a time when people with dark skin were considered less than human.

This story integrates my experiences with natural healing, the arts, the science of the ice, the metaphysics of the South Pole and the history of the expedition and its mystery.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas Day from George W. Gibbs, Jr's Journal

Dec. 25, 2011

Today in Conifer, CO is bright sunny and 30 degrees F. There's two feet of snow and beautiful. Here's a entry from my father's trip to Antarctica, never before shared!

Christmas Day from George W. Gibbs, Jr's Journal 1939. (The crew had been at sea since Nov. 22nd.)

Dec. 24 En route for the Bay of Whales in Little America, Christmas Eve. Sent three nice letters to family and friends. I am well and still have courage and faith to go on although some days are very discouraging. Tomorrow is Christmas day aboard the Bear, too. Of course we are at sea, but we hope to have Xmas anyway.

Dec. 25 We are rolling and pitching so much today until one can hardly enjoy this merry Xmas. However we enjoyed our dinner anyway. We got some sweet music today that made me take out all my friend’s letters and pictures and look them over. Met position Christmas at noon S 50 ¸ 07¸00 “ (lat.) W 117¸ 03¸00 “ (long.) There is no ice today. Oh well, I guess Santa Claus forgot me! :)

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