The Susie G. Gibson Legacy Inc is preparing a Documentary on Susie G. Gibson and the Susie G. Gibson High School under the Direction of Dr. Ghisland Lewis and her team. Its focus is on the early educating of Black Students in Bedford County.
The Susie G. Gibson Legacy Inc was formed in 2019 to preserve the history of Susie G. Gibson and Susie G. Gibson High School.
Susie G. Gibson was a major advocate for African American education in Bedford County during segregation. Susie G. Gibson (1878-1949), teacher and community activist, was Bedford County’s supervisor of African American Education for 22 years and was in the school system for a total of 41 years starting in 1906. The Jean’s Fund, established in 1907 to enhance opportunities for Black students in the rural South, sponsored her work.
She encouraged the Black kids to be very educated. She pushed education stating, “We aren’t rich but we have to be rich in our character and education.”
She left a legacy for us to understand that whatever you have, make the best of what you have. Mrs. Gibson was one of Bedford County Virginia’s first black educators. She was known for being influential in spearheading the process and success of African Americans Education in the Bedford County School System. Just by being herself she was recognized for doing more to promote friendly relations and better understanding between the races than any one person in Bedford County.
Saturday, June 4, 2022 a crowd gathered at Bedford’s Welcome Center to honor her legacy and unveil the first African American historical highway marker in the area.
In 1954 the newly built African American High School was named Susie G. Gibson High School and the first school named for a black educator.
The goal of the Susie G. Gibson Legacy Board, Inc. is to have this project completed in 2026. The cost to complete this project is $23,000. The Legacy, Inc is seeking members and donations to help with this project.
Don’t forget the All-School Reunion the weekend of November 29th and 30th 2025!
Donations may be sent to: Susie G Gibson Legacy Inc., PO Box 61 Forest, Va 24551
For more information, please contact Fannie Crider at fannie_mae@hotmail – Phone: 434-444-0298 or Harriett Hurt at [email protected] Phone 434-660-3547
