Coconut Grove has seen significant changes over the years, yet one constant remains: the remarkable life of Thelma Gibson, a pioneering figure in healthcare who has dedicated her efforts to uplift her community.
Born and raised during the era of segregation, Gibson defied numerous challenges associated with racism throughout her childhood and young adult life.
Reflecting on her past, Gibson, now 98 years old, stated, “It’s so different when I think in terms of what I came up with and how I came up.”
She vividly remembers her early struggles: “Having to go outside to the toilet and having to pump water and having no electricity and having to wash my feet in the basin.”
Despite these hardships, Gibson persevered, stating, “You can’t believe that this was possible, that you can live through this, and still survive, and be able to come up and be successful in life.”
Gibson’s educational experience played a vital role in her success, starting from her years at George Washington Carver Elementary.
“I went to [George Washington Carver Elementary] when I was six years old, so that was 92 years ago,” she recalled with pride.
This institution, a cornerstone for generations of Black Grove residents, recently celebrated its 125-year legacy with a newly inaugurated display in the school’s library, showcasing significant moments in its rich history.
The exhibition prominently features images of Thelma Gibson, a testament to her impact on the school community.
Reflecting on the school’s duration, Gibson remarked, “And to think that that little school has been here for 125 years, it makes all the difference in the world. That’s where it all started.”
Originally established on Charles Avenue in 1902, Carver Elementary relocated to a building lovingly referred to as “The Little Red Schoolhouse” on Thomas Avenue before settling at its current location on Grand Avenue in 1924.
Over the years, the school expanded, housing both elementary and junior high students. The junior high catered to Black families residing in areas as distant as Homestead with an increasing number of students flooding the halls.
The school gained additional recognition in 1934 when it graduated its first high school class, continuing to grow in response to community needs until 1952 when another connected campus opened specifically for Carver’s high schoolers.
Notable alumni include NASA astronaut Winston Scott, who attended Carver for elementary and junior high from the 1950s to 1960s.
Scott emphasized the solid foundation he received at Carver, recalling how educators instilled values of resilience and adaptability in their students.
“They tried to plant seeds in us to let us know that all things change; they continue to get better. They continue to grow,” Scott expressed, recognizing the importance of being prepared to seize new opportunities.
As the Civil Rights movement unfolded, Carver experienced significant changes. In 1966, the last graduating class of Carver High School transitioned to Coral Gables Senior High and other integrated schools following court-ordered desegregation.
Scott became one of the first Black students to navigate this new environment at Coral Gables High, an experience he described as an adjustment due to the vastly different cultural landscape.
“There was an adjustment because the culture was different,” Scott said, reflecting on the diverse backgrounds of his new classmates, which broadened his horizons.
With time, the educational landscape continued to transform. Maud Newbold, who became principal of Carver in 1988, was the first Black leader of the school since integration occurred more than two decades prior.
“We had a melting pot,” Newbold said, reminiscing about the diverse student body that emerged at Carver, filled with students from various ethnic backgrounds who spoke different languages.
Her leadership focused on inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of creating an atmosphere where students felt welcomed and valued.
“We were able to communicate with them to make them feel that they were wanted, because they should be wanted,” Newbold stated, underlining her commitment to providing every child with a quality education.
Today, George Washington Carver Middle School continues to thrive, now a magnet school specializing in language programs. The demographic landscape has shifted considerably: nearly 70% of the student body is now Hispanic, while Black students represent just 9% of the enrollment, along with 18% identifying as white.
Current Principal Patricia Fairclough acknowledged the changes in the community, emphasizing the need for current students to appreciate their school’s rich legacy and the people who paved the way for their opportunities.
“There’s a new generation coming in,” Fairclough noted, indicating the steps being taken to preserve the school’s historic culture.
Students like Ava Jean-Poix, a third grader at Carver and part of a family with deep roots in the school, highlight the significance of this legacy.
“I feel like people need to know the history because history is really important,” Ava stated, reflecting on the importance of passing down stories and knowledge through generations.
In summary, the journey of George Washington Carver Elementary serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the ongoing quest for equity in education. The lives of its alumni and their contributions to society underscore the pivotal role this institution has played in shaping the community of Coconut Grove.
image source from：https://kbindependent.org/2025/06/05/coconut-groves-george-washington-carver-elementary-celebrates-125-years/
