Gertrude Gipson facts for kids

Gertrude Gipson Penland was an amazing African-American woman. She was a popular writer (called a columnist), an editor for newspapers, and even owned a nightclub. She also worked hard as a publicist and was a strong civil rights activist, fighting for equal rights for all people.

Early Life and Education

Gertrude Estelle Lomax was born in Ocean City, New Jersey, in July 1923. When she was a child, her family moved to Los Angeles. Not much is known about her very early years. She later attended Los Angeles City College.

A Career in Journalism

After college, Gertrude married a journalist named J.T. Gipson. She began her career as a columnist and entertainment editor. Her first job was at the California Eagle. This was one of the first newspapers for African-American communities.

Gertrude became even more successful at the Los Angeles Sentinel. She worked there for over 30 years! Her special Hollywood column was called Gertrude Gipson’s Candid Comments. It was very popular and appeared in about 120 different African-American newspapers. She also wrote for the Pittsburgh Courier and Sepia Magazine.

Beyond Writing: Nightclubs and Activism

In 1958, Gertrude Gipson started a social club and charity group called the Regalettes. This group helped people in the community.

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Gertrude also owned a nightclub in Los Angeles. She first owned it with her husband, Elledge Penland. Many famous performers worked there or visited. These included Richard Pryor, Sir Lady Java, Lena Horne, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and Bill Cosby. Elledge Penland passed away in 1968.

Later, Gertrude was chosen for important roles in California. Governor Jerry Brown appointed her to the California Motion Picture Development Council. She was the first African-American woman to hold this position. She also served on the Los Angeles Film Advisory Commission. Gertrude also had a daily talk show on the radio. On her show, she talked about civil rights and job opportunities in Hollywood.

In 1978, Jet magazine featured Gertrude's birthday party. Many celebrities, like Sir Lady Java and Lena Horne, attended the party.

Later Years and Legacy

Gertrude Gipson Penland passed away from pneumonia in Los Angeles on May 25, 1999. Her funeral was attended by many famous people and leaders. These included politicians like Gil Garcetti and Maxine Waters. Actors like Sidney Poitier and Marla Gibbs were there. Singers such as Nancy Wilson and Lou Rawls also attended.

She is remembered by her brother, Randolph Lomax, and her daughters, Revė Gipson and Shontė Penland. Gertrude Gipson's final resting place is Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.

Awards and Recognition

Gertrude Gipson Penland received many honors for her work:

• 1980 Image Award from the NAACP
• Best Entertainment Section award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association
• 1985 Woman of the Year award from the National Association of Media Women
• Women for Good Government Award
• Los Angeles Delta Sigma Theta sorority Award
• Sugar Ray Robinson Foundation Youth Award