In Memory of Reverend Theodore Gibson

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. SHALALA. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Reverend Theodore Gibson, champion of civil rights in Miami.

Born in 1915, Reverend Gibson emerged as a leader in South Florida's desegregation movement. Determined that his son would attend an integrated school, Reverend Gibson filed a lawsuit against Dade County Public Schools. He also led desegregation efforts at lunch counters and department stores, and even helped integrate Crandon Park Beach by leading a swim-in.

Reverend Gibson served as president of the Miami NAACP from 1954 to 1964. During that time, he refused to turn over the names of the members of the local NAACP chapter to the Florida state legislature, which was hunting for communist influence in American political organizations. Reverend Gibson was arrested and fined for standing up for the dignity of the NAACP.

In 1972, Reverend Gibson was appointed to the Miami City Commission, where he continued to promote civil rights and empower African American communities. A powerful orator and moral leader, Reverend Gibson devoted himself to the Christ Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove, where he served as a rector until his death in 1982. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Gibson.

Reverend Gibson dedicated his life to promoting the rights and welfare of the African American community of Miami. His influence continues to resonate in South Florida and will be felt for years to come. I'm proud to honor his memory.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source