Ralph Mark Gilbert facts for kids

Ralph Mark Gilbert was an important American leader who worked for equal rights. He was also a Baptist minister, which means he was a religious leader in a Christian church. He was born on March 17, 1899, in Jacksonville, Florida, and passed away on August 23, 1956, in New York City.

Serving His Community as a Minister

Ralph Mark Gilbert was a pastor at the First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia. He led this church from 1939 until he died in 1956. The church is a very old and important building in Savannah's historic area. As a pastor, he guided his community and helped people.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Ralph Mark Gilbert was a strong leader in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement was a big effort to gain equal rights for all people, especially African Americans, in the United States.

Leading the NAACP in Savannah

From 1942 to 1950, Reverend Gilbert was the president of the Savannah branch of the NAACP. The NAACP is a well-known organization that works to ensure fairness and equal rights for African Americans.

Under his leadership, the NAACP in Savannah became much stronger. He helped many African Americans register to vote, which means they could officially sign up to choose their leaders in elections.

Changes in Savannah City Hall

Because of the efforts led by Reverend Gilbert and the NAACP, important changes happened in Savannah. A politician named John G. Kennedy became the Mayor of Savannah. He was a white leader who supported progress and change.

First Black Police Officers

Another big step forward was when the city's Police Department hired its first African American police officers. These officers were known as the Original Nine. This was a major achievement for equal opportunities in the city.

His Legacy and Honors

Reverend Gilbert passed away on August 23, 1956, while he was on vacation in New York City.

Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum

Today, a special place in Savannah is named in his honor: the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. This museum helps people learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Georgia. It is located in an old bank building that was built in 1914. The building was renovated starting in 1993 and opened as the museum in 1996. It stands as a reminder of his important work for justice and equality.