We are All Antarctica: Alejo Contreras Staeding

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.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Views from the Chinese Station on King George Island

Whale bones on the Chinese station

Our transportation in paradise

I'm back from Chile. It's much easier to review my pictures now. I wasn't sure I captured my experience well. But for the first time, I can see what I have. My 48 hour journey to Antarctica was remarkable! It is a subtle and powerful experience upon which to reflect. Because my father went decades before he had a family, I didn't think I would feel a connection to the continent in my DNA. I was wrong. The feeling of awe is deep within me.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Alejo Contreras Staeding, guide in Antarctica

Alejo Contreras Staeding is an excellent guide. Little did I know how excellent. He is the first Chilean to ski to the South Pole. It took him 97 days on a solo trip. He is the embodiment of an Antarctic explorer. I learned to appreciate the beauty and mystery of polar exploration from the short time with Alejo. His enthusiasm for going places no human has ever touched is something I hadn't thought of.
We received a certificate of exploration from the company who prepared the tour. DAP Antarctica hosted Bill Gates last year on this same trip!