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.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Laurence McKinley Gould - Antarctic Explorer
Laurence McKinley Gouldwas born today, August 22 in 1896. During my recent research, I discover the Antarctic-Minnesota connection with Gould. As the first geologist to set foot on Antarctica's interior, he was Admiral Byrd's second-in-command for Byrd's first expedition to the South Pole. From 1945 to 1962, he was President of Carlton College. He loved Minnesota as much as my father, George W. Gibbs, Jr did. Quote from an unofficial Carlton College site:"I feel best in weather that makes me shiver." - On moving to Minnesota.- Laurence M. Gould I'm inspired by Antarctic stories and connections such as this. Please write me if you have a connection to share.
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