We are All Antarctica: U.S.S. Bear

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.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Gibbs Made History Today

A few months ago, I found another document that speaks of today's historical event. One of his ship mates wrote on January 14, 1940, George W. Gibbs, Jr. was the first Negro in Antarctica. It's exciting to find more evidence of personal connections aboard the USS Bear.

Today is the 75th anniversary!

The Prime Meridian in Antarctica is less than 500 miles/900 kilometers east from where the crew of the USS Bear docked for the first time, on the Ross Ice Shelf.

A few weeks ago, my mother and I stood on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich Park, London.

How cool is that? Thanks to our hosts Vicky Thomas and David Hall.

http://www.mapsofworld.com/antarctica/maps/antarctica-map.gif

Joyce Gibbs (George's wife) and Leilani Henry (daughter)

Saturday, November 22, 2014

75 Years Ago-The U.S.S. Bear Set Sail

There are many remembrances for this day. It's 50 years since the assassination of JFK.
I celebrate Hannah Claire, who turns 20.

The biggest day of my father's life happened on this day. He set sail for Antarctica and magnetic South Pole. His diary says on Nov. 22, 1939, "75 huskies howling day and night". Later on the trip, his autograph book is signed by Admiral Byrd.

To George W. Gibbs, Jr,

"Best wishes to one who has done so much to make our cruise more comfortable and pleasant"

- RE Byrd

-courtesy of Leilani Henry files. Picture on USS Bear, near Antarctic circle January 1940.