A house RESOLUTION

 

TO HONOR THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF PROMINENT AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER LOTTIE GIBSON OF GREENVILLE.

 

Whereas, for more than sixty years, Lottie Gibson was a one-woman crusader for Greenville's poor and disenfranchised. She was an outspoken social activist, widely known and respected for her work with families who were homeless and bereaved. She cut through red tape to provide human and material resources for the sick, unemployed, and imprisoned, as well as other citizens in need. A voice for the voiceless, Lottie Gibson was always accessible, no matter the day, time, or weather; and

 

Whereas, known as a pioneer in all areas of human relations, Gibson worked for many civic and educational organizations at the local, state, and national levels to promote economic and social equality. She was chair for the Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, Inc., Board of Directors, a life member of the NAACP, and an active member with the NAACP's Greenville branch. A founding member of the Democratic Women of Greenville County, she also served as a charter member of the Epsilon Tau Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and

 

Whereas, in addition, she served on the South Carolina Council of Educational Opportunity Program's Personnel and Program Committee and the United Way of Greenville County Community Planning Council. Further, she played a vital role in the fight to recognize the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as a holiday in Greenville County; and

 

Whereas, Mrs. Gibson was employed at Greenville Technical College, where she served as the college's first director of the Federal TRIO Programs for disadvantaged students and also directed Student Support Services. In addition, she represented District 25 on Greenville County Council for more than twenty-five years. While serving in this capacity, she was a member of both the Planning and Development Committee and the Public Safety & Human Services Committee and served as a liaison for the County Council to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission; and

 

Whereas, she received numerous public awards, recognitions, and citations, including the prestigious Jefferson Award for her service to humanity. The Phoenix Center named the Lottie Beal Gibson Center of Excellence in her honor because of her endless advocacy efforts for people who struggle with addiction and substance abuse. She passed away in 2016. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor the life and achievements of prominent African American community volunteer Lottie Gibson of Greenville.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Lottie Gibson.

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