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, November 7, 2013
Today is the Unofficial George W. Gibbs, Jr. Day
This is an addition to what I posted this morning. My friend Angela Saunders, on Facebook, posted the perfect story on the this unofficial George W. Gibbs Day! It's about an interview and relationship between an African American writer/speaker and the Klu Klux Klan. Definitely worth the 20 minutes to listen. http://www.snapjudgment.org/silver-dollar-lounge Earlier today I wrote: I come from a political family. They are/were more passionate about politics than I am. I appreciate all who work tirelessly for the Common Good! I do my best to use my voice. Blogging is one way. George Gibbs was born on November 7th election day and died on November 7th election day. He was going to be named Charles Evans Hughes, after the Republican candidate. When Hughes lost the election, his father named him George Washington Gibbs, Jr. Both he and his father were quite political. On the evening of November 7th, George died watching the election results, thinking his candidate, Al Gore, won.
Blanket Given to my mother, Joyce Gibbs, from Gibbs Elementary
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