Joining The March of History: NAACP Honors Gayle Gear
On Sunday September 23rd, the Birmingham chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held its annual Continuing Community Service Awards Ceremony at the First Baptist Church of Graymont. Branch President Hezekiah Jackson was the master of ceremonies for a night honoring members of the community who have made outstanding contributions through selfless service.
Among the honorees was our very own Dr. Gayle Gear. Officer Kenneth Prevo, NAACP Criminal Justice Chairman and Officer of the Birmingham City Police Department, introduced Dr. Gear by recounting her many contributions to the cause of Civil Rights and Social Justice. Among those accomplishments, Officer Prevo highlighted Dr. Gear's work ending the harassment of African Americans traveling from Birmingham to the Footwash and Dr. Gear's work investigating the privatization of probation services in Alabama (chronicled on this website in the series "Poor People Catch Hell").
Dr. Gear was presented with a plaque before the assembled crowd of members and honored guests. In addition to the award, Dr. Gear's biography was made a permanent piece of the history of Birmingham when it was added to the archives of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, The Birmingham Public Library, and the Archives of the National NAACP.
Below is a copy of Dr. Gear’s Resume now on file at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, The Birmingham Public Library, and the Archives of the National NAACP.