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.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Anthony Wayne Passed Away at 98
I had the privilege of meeting one of my father's shipmates before he died. Tony spent many phone hours sharing his life and sense of humor. One fun fact is that he was a model and a body builder with Charles Atlas.
RIP Anthony Wayne. (Anthony Kelczweski) The following photo was from a presentation I made about the expedition to George W. Gibbs, Jr. Elementary. The students made the story come alive! This feels like an appropriate tribute.
Michael from Gibbs Elementary 1st grade class 2012 draws the expedition's ship--The U.S.S. Bear
FYI: There is still one man left who sailed on Admiral Byrd's III expedition to Antarctica-
Robert R. Johnson of Jacksonville, FL. How ironic--he lives in the city of my father's birthplace.
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