George W. Gibbs Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George W. Gibbs Jr.
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|---|---|
| Birth name | George Washington Gibbs Jr. |
| Born | 7 November 1916 Jacksonville, Florida |
| Died | 7 November 2000 (aged 84) Rochester, Minnesota |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1935-1959 |
| Rank | Chief Petty Officer |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | United States Antarctic Expedition Medal |
| Other work | IBM personnel department Employment agency owner NAACP chapter president |
George Washington Gibbs Jr. (born November 7, 1916 – died November 7, 2000) was a brave sailor in the United States Navy. He made history by becoming the first African-American person to step onto the icy continent of Antarctica. This amazing event happened on January 14, 1940.
Gibbs was part of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd's third trip to Antarctica. This journey was called the United States Antarctic Service Expedition (1939–1941). Later, Gibbs served as a gunner in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
After 24 years of service, Gibbs retired from the Navy in 1959. He had reached the rank of chief petty officer. He then went to the University of Minnesota and earned a degree in Education. From 1963 to 1982, Gibbs worked for IBM in Rochester, Minnesota. After leaving IBM, he started his own company, Technical Career Placement, Inc., which he ran until 1999.
George Gibbs was also a leader in the civil rights movement. He helped open doors for African Americans in Rochester. He helped start the Rochester Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1966. He was also a community leader, serving as president of the Rochester Kiwanis and the University of Minnesota Alumni Association chapter.
Today, a place in Antarctica called Gibbs Point is named after him. A school in Rochester, Minnesota, the George W. Gibbs Jr. Elementary School, also carries his name.
Contents
Early Life and Family
George W. Gibbs Jr. was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on November 7, 1916. He later moved to Brooklyn, New York. He went to Brooklyn Technical School. Gibbs also earned his General Education Diploma (GED).
After working briefly in the Civilian Conservation Corps, Gibbs joined the U.S. Navy in 1935. He signed up again when his first four years were over.
While in the Navy, Gibbs married Joyce Powell on September 26, 1953. They had a daughter, Leilani, and a son, E. Anthony "Tony."
Exploring Antarctica
Gibbs was encouraged to join the United States Antarctic Service. The U.S. Congress created this service to support Admiral Richard E. Byrd's third trip to the South Pole. The goal was to explore and map more of Antarctica.
Gibbs was one of only 40 Navy men chosen for the expedition from 2,000 applicants. He worked as a Mess Attendant 1st Class on the main ship, the U.S.S. Bear. He also cooked and did other important jobs. By the end of the trip, he was an Officer's Cook 3rd Class.
Even with long workdays, Gibbs wrote in a journal. He noted that some officers were unfriendly, but he praised the captain and the teamwork of most people.
On January 14, 1940, the U.S.S. Bear reached the Bay of Whales. Gibbs wrote in his journal: "I was the first man aboard the ship to set foot in Little America and help tie her lines deep into the snow. I met Admiral Byrd; he shook my hand and welcomed me to Little America and for being the first Negro to set foot in Little America."
Gibbs helped set up two bases: West Base (Little America III) and East Base. He traveled between the United States and Antarctica twice.
During the expedition, Gibbs helped catch Adelie penguins for the Smithsonian Institution. This was dangerous work. The men had to use a rowboat in thick fog, and their radio did not work. They relied on the ship's horn to find their way back.
The captain of the Bear, Lieutenant Commander Richard H. Cruzen, praised Gibbs twice. He recognized Gibbs's hard work and loyalty during the difficult mission.
Fighting in World War II
During World War II, Gibbs served in battles in the Pacific Ocean. He was a gunner on the U.S.S. Atlanta. On November 13, 1942, during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, the Atlanta was sunk. It was hit by enemy fire from a Japanese battleship and a torpedo.
About a third of the 3,000 crew members died. Gibbs and other survivors spent a night in shark-filled waters before being rescued.
After the War
Gibbs stayed in the U.S. Navy until 1959. He retired as a chief petty officer. He received several awards for his service. These included the Navy Good Conduct Medal and the silver United States Antarctic Expedition Medal.
After retiring, Gibbs moved to Minneapolis. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1963. His family then moved to Rochester, Minnesota. There, Gibbs worked in the personnel department at IBM for 18 years. He also managed housing and international assignments for IBM.
Later, Gibbs started his own company, Technical Career Placement, Inc. He ran this company until 1999.
Civil Rights and Community Work
George Gibbs became an important civil rights leader. He helped start the Rochester, Minnesota Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He worked for civil rights both in Rochester and across the country.
The Rochester NAACP later created the George Gibbs Humanitarianism Award in his honor. His daughter said he was very good at convincing people. She noted that about 50 of the 350 local NAACP members were Black. Gibbs also worked with the NAACP across Minnesota and North Dakota.
Gibbs was president of the Rochester Kiwanis Club. He also led the Rochester chapter of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. He was chairman of Boy Scout Troop 21 and helped raise money for the United Negro College Fund. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.
In 1974, Gibbs was not allowed to join the Rochester Elks Club because he was Black. This news made headlines. Eventually, Gibbs helped break this "color barrier" at the Elks Club and other clubs in Rochester.
George W. Gibbs Jr. passed away on his 84th birthday, November 7, 2000.
Memorials and Honors
Gibbs Point in Antarctica
Gibbs Point is a rocky area on the Antarctic Peninsula. This is the northernmost part of Antarctica. It was named after George W. Gibbs Jr. on September 2, 2009. The Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names confirmed this name. It honors Gibbs as the first Black explorer to step on the continent. Gibbs Point is located at 67°48'22"S, 067°09'38"W.
Other Honors
In 2002, West Soldiers Field Drive in Rochester, Minnesota, was renamed in honor of Gibbs.
On August 5, 2008, the Rochester, Minnesota school board named a new elementary school the George W. Gibbs Jr. Elementary School. The school was officially dedicated on October 11, 2009. A scholarship was also created in his name.
See also
