Keyword: 'African-American' | Herald Community Newspapers

Booker T. Gibson, 80, was a witness to history during the civil rights era. Now he’s a professional musician who plays at the upscale Irish Coffee Pub in East Islip. He is pictured above at home in North Merrick.

Second of two parts. On Aug. 28, 1963, Booker T. Gibson made his way to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. “It was hot. In August, it was hot,” Gibson said during a recent interview, stressing the word “hot.” more

Scott Brinton | 12/7/10

Booker T. Gibson, a nearly lifelong Merrick resident, was the first African-American teacher at South Junior-Senior High School in Valley Stream. He was joined by his wife of 39 years, Frances, also a music teacher, at their North Merrick home.

Breaking racial barriers at every turn

By his own admission, Booker T. Gibson wasn’t the most athletic student at Mepham High School in Bellmore in the 1940s, so becoming popular at a school that placed a high value on success in sports –– in particular, in wrestling –– was no easy feat. But, man, could Gibson play boogie-woogie piano, and at the time this highly rhythmic style of the blues ruled the airwaves. more

Scott Brinton | 11/30/10

Events on Long Island

Exhibits and more... Acquired Riches: Highlights From The Hofstra University Museum CollectionAn exhibit celebrating Hofstra University's 75th anniversary, highlights the artists, genres, and … more

11/3/10

Events on Long Island

Exhibits and more... Acquired Riches: Highlights From The Hofstra University Museum CollectionThis exhibition, celebrating Hofstra University's 75th anniversary, highlights the artists, genres, … more

10/27/10

Events on Long Island

Exhibits and more... Acquired Riches: Highlights From The Hofstra University Museum CollectionThis exhibition, celebrating Hofstra University's 75th anniversary, highlights the artists, genres, … more

10/20/10

Events on Long Island

Exhibits and more... Acquired Riches: Highlights From The Hofstra University Museum CollectionThis exhibition, celebrating Hofstra University's 75th anniversary, highlights the artists, genres, … more

10/13/10

Events on Long Island

Exhibits and more... Acquired Riches: Highlights From The Hofstra University Museum CollectionThis exhibition, celebrating Hofstra University's 75th anniversary, highlights the artists, genres, … more

10/7/10

Events on Long Island

Exhibits and more... Defying The Devil: Christian Clergy Who Saved Jews From The HolocaustPhotographs, artifacts and video relate the events of the Holocaust. Through Sept. 30. Holocaust Memorial … more

9/30/10

Events on Long Island

Exhibits and more... Defying The Devil: Christian Clergy Who Saved Jews From The HolocaustPhotographs, artifacts and video relate the events of the Holocaust. Through Sept. 30. Holocaust Memorial … more

9/23/10

Events on Long Island

Exhibits and more... Belmont Air Meet Of 1910 ExhibitThis exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of the airplanes that raced at Belmont Park Racetrack during the first international aviation … more

9/16/10