Wikipedia Page is Alive

The last time I checked,  Wikipedia took down the page for George W. Gibbs Jr.  To my surprise, it's back up.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Gibbs,_Jr.
The only error I see, is in addition to being the first African American on Antarctica, he was the first person of black African descent in the world, to set foot there.  This information was verified by Robert Headland, in an email to Ted Scambos, in October 2009.

Gibbs Made History Today

Joyce Gibbs (George's wife) and Leilani Henry (daughter)

 A few months ago, I found another document that speaks of today's historical event.  One of his ship mates wrote on January 14, 1940, George W. Gibbs, Jr. was the first Negro in Antarctica.  It's exciting to find more evidence of personal connections aboard the USS Bear.  

Today is the 75th anniversary!  

 The Prime Meridian in Antarctica is less than 500 miles/900 kilometers east from where the crew of the USS Bear docked for the first time, on the Ross Ice Shelf. 

A few weeks ago, my mother and I stood on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich Park, London.  

How cool is that?  Thanks to our hosts Vicky Thomas and David Hall. 

75 Years Ago-The U.S.S. Bear Set Sail

-courtesy of Leilani Henry files. Picture on USS Bear, near Antarctic circle January 1940.

There are many remembrances for this day. It's 50 years since the assassination of JFK.
I celebrate Hannah Claire, who turns 20.

The biggest day of my father's life happened on this day. He set sail for Antarctica and magnetic South Pole. His diary says on Nov. 22, 1939, "75 huskies howling day and night". Later on the trip, his autograph book is signed by Admiral Byrd.

To George W. Gibbs, Jr,

"Best wishes to one who has done so much to make our cruise more comfortable and pleasant"

- RE Byrd

Matthew Henson Polar Explorer's Birthday

Happy Birthday to Matthew Henson!  Born August 8, 1866.  He was the first person of African descent to reach the North Pole with Admiral Robert Peary, in 1906. He may have reached it before Peary, not intending to.  See link- http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/mhenson.htm

Colleen O'Connor Wins CABJ Award for Frozen in Time!

It's been almost a year since I left for Antarctica.  I woke up this time last year, wondering what the Denver Post article was going to say.  Colleen said "baring a major world event, I'd be on the front page."  Since it was SuperBowl weekend, I wasn't expecting it!  Congratulations to Denver Post's extraordinary writer, Colleen O'Connor for writing this story- Frozen in Time. Last August, I was at the Colorado Association of Black Journalists banquet to see her receive the award.

George Gibbs Entry into American National Biography Online

Author and Polar Historian, Glenn M. Stein calls today.  "Hello Leilani! I'm looking at the new published entry for George W. Gibbs Jr., in the American National Biography. "Google it!"

Here's the link.  Happy 2013 MLK Holiday weekend.

Wikipedia for George W. Gibbs, Jr.

I'd love to thank the person who initiated the page for Gibbs on Wikipedia.  She lives in Rochester, MN and said in a public forum that such an important historical figure needs to be in Wikipedia.
If anyone knows how to make sure this an approved page in Wikipedia, please let me know.  The last time I checked, they had taken it down, saying the information couldn't be validated.  It appears to be up now.  Thanks to the community for making this happen!

Historic Elections

In 2000, my father voted absentee ballot, while in hospice.  On election night, November 7th, my mother hosts a birthday/election night party for him.  It's his 84th birthday.  One of his favorite things in life is democracy, so this is a perfect way to spend time in hospice.

As it turns, George Washington Gibbs, Jr passes away peacefully in his sleep that night.  He was surrounded by friends of all ages.  He died happy,  thinking Al Gore won.  We've been through a lot George, since 2000.  Happy Birthday.  Congrats to President Barack Obama
and this historic election.  
I look forward to new levels of bipartisan cooperation in all levels of politics. Forward!

Trip to King George Island Pics

I've had so much trouble getting internet.  The glacier is Nelson Island. We went there in a zodiac boat.  The penguin pecked at my pants, great close up!  We were in an ice free zone and visited places that were iced in over the winter.  Off to Torre Del Paine park where the fire was last month.

Denver Post Front Page Article Link

I'm delighted by who's reaching out to me because of yesterday's Denver Post Article.  Relatives of expeditions members, authors, publishers, customers and friends!  Today, I took questions from Gibbs Elementary, in Rochester, MN first graders.  They had very thorough inquiry about Antarctica and my trip.  There's more to say about audiences 7th grade and younger!

I'm on the Front Page of the Denver Post Today!

New Denver Post article by Colleen O'Connor.

My Travel to Chile

Part of my research about the United States Antarctic Service Expedition (1939–1941) takes me to Valparaiso, Chile.  The USS Bear stopped at several port cities on the way back to the U.S., in 1940.  Today, while meeting with a colleague, we found an entry in my father's journal that talks about his adventures in Chile. I realized I'll be able to visit the area to see O'Higgins Hotel, in Vina Del Mar, built in 1936!  Admiral Byrd stayed there.  Here's another journal excerpt from George W. Gibbs Jr.,

April 23(1940) At Valparaiso Chile.  Was up this morning early to get the ship in shape for visitors and do my daily routine.  This morning at eleven we were anchored off from the dock about two hundred feet and I went ashore in a taxi.  Bought a watch and went to Vina Del Mar, which is eight miles from Valparaiso.  Went sight seeing and had dinner at the Hotel Higgins where the Admiral is staying.  In the U.S. it would have been impossible for me to be as welcomed (as I felt there).

We Are All Antarctica project update

If you've been following me, since December 2011, I'm sure you've seen this project unfold with increasing clarity! I have three schools following my trip to Antarctica: Platte Canyon Fitzsimmons Middle School, Bailey, CO; Gibbs Elementary in Rochester, MN, (1st grade class) and a Free school group who will do a field trip to Denver to learn more about climate change and how we are personally connected through our thoughts, feelings and history.  Start Some Good is a partner for the next phase.  I will design and pilot interactive, curricular materials for students to realize the value of collaboration, based on my father’s community leadership, Antarctic history and climate change. If you have interested groups or leads for schools to participate, please contact me.  A big thanks to Matt Nathan for his coaching and production of the latest video!

A little history from Rochester, MN where my parents settled

My father loved Rochester, MN. He at one time considered running for mayor. We called him 'Ambassador' of the city! My parents arrived during the civil rights time frame. My mother, Joyce Gibbs is on PBS OFF 90, sharing some history in Rochester.