William Gibson (NAACP)
Encyclopedia
Dr. William Gibson was an African American
dentist
who served as chair of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP) from 1985 to 1995.
Gibson was a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and Meharry Medical College
. He served as president of the NAACP's regional branch in Greenville, South Carolina
before succeeding Margaret Bush Wilson
as national chairperson. As chair, he encouraged voter registration
and worked to increase economic opportunities for African Americans. However, his handling of finances was controversial, and the NAACP found itself with a $4 million deficit in 1995. That year, NAACP board members voted 30-29 to replace Gibson with Myrlie Evers-Williams
, widow of Medgar Evers
.
Gibson died of cancer at the age of 69.
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
dentist
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a 'dental surgeon', is a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. The dentist's supporting team aides in providing oral health services...
who served as chair of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, usually abbreviated as NAACP, is an African-American civil rights organization in the United States, formed in 1909. Its mission is "to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to...
(NAACP) from 1985 to 1995.
Gibson was a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College
Meharry Medical College, located in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, is a graduate and professional institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church whose mission is to educate healthcare professionals and scientists. Founded in 1876 as the Medical Department of Central Tennessee...
. He served as president of the NAACP's regional branch in Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina
-Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families...
before succeeding Margaret Bush Wilson
Margaret Bush Wilson
Margaret Bush Wilson was an American activist. Wilson broke many barriers as an African-American woman throughout her professional career. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she successfully managed a St...
as national chairperson. As chair, he encouraged voter registration
Voter registration
Voter registration is the requirement in some democracies for citizens and residents to check in with some central registry specifically for the purpose of being allowed to vote in elections. An effort to get people to register is known as a voter registration drive.-Centralized/compulsory vs...
and worked to increase economic opportunities for African Americans. However, his handling of finances was controversial, and the NAACP found itself with a $4 million deficit in 1995. That year, NAACP board members voted 30-29 to replace Gibson with Myrlie Evers-Williams
Myrlie Evers-Williams
SynopsisEarly LifeLife with MedgarMedgar Evers MurderLife After Medgar'NAACP/ HonorsAccomplishmentsWhoopi Goldberg played her in Ghosts of Mississippi...
, widow of Medgar Evers
Medgar Evers
Medgar Wiley Evers was an African American civil rights activist from Mississippi involved in efforts to overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi...
.
Gibson died of cancer at the age of 69.
External links
- Juliette Fairley. "A martyr's wife steps forward: can Myrlie Evers-Williams restore the NAACP's credibility?". Black Enterprise. May 1995.
- Phil W. Petrie. "William Gibson remembered by national leaders". The New Crisis. Jul/Aug. 2002.