November 2015 Monthly Letter
Dear Reconcilers,
Instead of writing a letter this month I thought I would share with you the enclosed message passed on to me by one of our ORM supporters Vivian Malcomson, who resides in Rochester, Minnesota.
This powerful testimonial is a true reminder of why this Ministry of Reconciliation is so important. Reading it reminded me of the need to spread this message around the world as effectively as possible!
I thank God for you on a regular basis and I pray for you. You are a very valuable part of this gospel message of reconciliation. And your works will never be forgotten, in fact they will be rewarded by Jesus Christ!
In closing, I would like to thank all of you who support our ministry with prayers, words of kindness, community action and donations. I want to let you know that we have another way to donate as well. Many of you who donate send checks or donate on our website. We have also included a new form which enables you to donate with your credit card as well. Simply fill out the form and send it back in the enclosed envelope. Thank you all for your support of ORM and keep up the great work you’re doing!
With great appreciation of you all,
By Joyce Gibbs
“For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart,” I Samuel 16:7
Fifty-two years ago this August, the Gibbs family arrived in Rochester—two parents, with two young, nice-looking, well-behaved, smart children.
We joined a church, which I thought was far too quickly, but it was because the children were happy there. To me, that was most important.
We found a four-plex, where we were told by the proprietor that he was only renting to us because it was the law. My response was, “Thank you for complying with the law.”
By the mid-1960s, many laws had changed, but laws never change the heart.
Not all were welcoming in this community, not even in our church. But we wanted a church home and had to be someplace, so we remained.
On Sept. 12, 1963, because many in Rochester were in a tizzy about our arrival, an article in the Post-Bulletin ran under the headline “IBM Dispels Rumors Concerning All-Out Drive to Employ Negroes.” (Of course, the word “Negro” was the politically correct terminology at the time.)
Our real estate agent, many schools, neighborhoods and the police were contacted by people basically saying “not in our town.” That was in addition to the threatening calls we received.
I had learned this was a highly educated town, but degrees mean absolutely nothing when it comes to love and respect of our fellow man.
And there are still lessons that some may need to learn.
I would have rather been identified as a dedicated Girl Scout leader than identified as the first black Girl Scout leader in the community because I was dedicated to 44 wonderful girls for three years—a bit less for three more years in their junior high years. Yes, the troop was integrated because the leader and her daughter made it so, but being identified as the first black Girl Scout leader was not a compliment.
Likewise, a suggestion that your son not discontinue Boy Scouts because he was one step from becoming an Eagle Scout and would be the first black Eagle Scout in the area is not a compliment. Neither is it a reason to become an Eagle Scout.
Being told that you and your family have proven yourselves was also not a compliment.
I place no blame on anyone for the past or present, and I lose no sleep over it—at least not much and not for long. I know that it is a fact that racism is alive and well, not only in Texas, Missouri and South Carolina. It is all over the country, which does include Rochester.
What can be done?
Put yourself in a position where there is diversity.
Speak out when unacceptable and uncomplimentary things are verbalized. Silence is often a sign of agreement or confirmation.
When an opportunity presents itself where you might be able to make a difference, don’t stand on the sidelines.
Have things changed? Most certainly. Otherwise, there would not be a George Gibbs Drive, a George Gibbs Scholarship Fund, a George Gibbs lecture series or a George W. Gibbs Elementary School, all here in Rochester.
And on Sept. 2, 2009, Gibbs Point near the Antarctic Peninsula was named.
If anyone says “I love God” and hates his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment, we have from God in 1 John 4:20-21—Whoever loves God, must also love his brother.
Joyce Gibbs a longtime educator whose late husband is George W. Gibbs Elementary’s namesake. She presented a version of this commentary on Sept. 6 at her church—Christ United Methodist Church—during a reflection on race and the church.