Thelma Vernell Anderson Gibson, the cherished icon of Coconut Grove, educators, and avid reader, is celebrating her 99th birthday this month and continues to be steward of beyond the Grove as she is photographed at her home on Tuesday, December 10, 2025, in Miami, Florida. Gibson’s groundbreaking contributions to the community as a dedicated educator and an advocate for civil rights, Gibson played a vital role in promoting social justice and equality. She was instrumental in establishing programs that empowered youth and fostered cultural awareness. Her legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to uplifting her community, making her a beloved figure whose impact continues to inspire future generations.
cjuste@miamiherald.com
In her 99 years, Thelma Gibson has seen it all. She recounted growing up in a segregated Coconut Grove neighborhood, how she used her money from her first paychecks to wire her childhood home for electricity, and her thoughts on what’s happening as we see Black history being erased and ICE raids storm immigrant communities.
“It’s important that we have the same rights as everybody else,” she said. “Blacks shouldn’t be any different from any white person that’s born in this country, that we’re born here.” “It bothers me that people can’t come here and enjoy living,” she continued. “What Trump is doing with sending all these people back to areas where they can be kill(ed) and doing all kinds of things, is so unfair and unfortunate, and I know God doesn’t like it.”
Still, with all she’s seen, Gibson keeps a smile on her face and is thankful she’s here to tell her story. It was an honor to speak with her and hear her story.
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This is the final 44 percent newsletter for the year.
INSIDE THE 305:
‘I’m thankful:’ Black Miami pioneer reflects on 99 years of life
Thelma Gibson, one of the first Black nurses at Jackson Memorial Hospital, turned 99 on Wednesday. Gibson recounted growing up in Jim Crow South and the changes she’s seen in the Coconut Grove community. .
What can Miami’s creative world get from Kickstarter? The CEO has a message
Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor recently discussed the business side of the art world and how creatives can get funding for their projects.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Original ‘A Different World’ cast will reprise roles in sequel
Four of the original cast members, including Jasmine Guy (Whitley Gilbert) and Kadeem Hardison (DeWayne Wayne) in “A Different World” will appear in a sequel of the series, set to debut on Netflix.
Statue of Black teen who fought segregation replaces Robert E. Lee at U.S. Capitol
A statute of Barbara Rose Johns, a 16-year-old girl who led a 1951 protest in response to horrible conditions at her segregated high school in Farmville, Virginia, is installed at the U.S. Capitol.
HIGH CULTURE:
Roots Bookstore Ugly Sweater Party
The Roots Bookstore and Market is celebrating six months in Liberty City with an Ugly Sweater party. Festivities begin Sunday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at its 6610 NW 15th Avenue location. Also, if you’re looking for places to shop for last minute gifts and gift cards, check out our Black business gift guide which features the Roots Bookstore, curated by me and minority business reporter Michael Butler. Happy holidays!
