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"We are aware of the fact that separate and unequal schools have seriously retarded the
educational progress of our children in Bedford County. As of today we still have
separate and unequal schools."
Bedford Chapter of NAACP, August 26, 1964
About Susie G. Gibson
Early Life & Education: A Scholar with a Purpose
Born on October 29, 1878, in the Oak Mountain community of Bedford County, Virginia, Susie G. Gibson was the daughter of formerly enslaved parents, a fact that underscores the remarkable arc of her life and leadership. In an era when opportunities for African Americans, particularly women, were severely limited, she broke through barriers to become a symbol of educational progress and racial uplift. Gibson earned her teaching certificate from Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg, a crucial training ground for Black educators. She later completed her degree at what is now Virginia State University in Petersburg, a historically Black institution known for producing leaders in education and civil service.
Her academic achievements were not only rare but also deeply influential, laying the groundwork for a career defined by service, scholarship, and community advancement. Gibson's commitment to education reflected a broader cultural belief among African Americans in the post-Reconstruction South—that knowledge, discipline, and education were essential tools for liberation, dignity, and civic progress.
The Jeanes Supervisor:
A Pioneer in Black Rural Education
Susie G. Gibson served for more than 20 years as Bedford County’s Jeanes Supervisor, a position funded by the Negro Rural School Fund, also known as the Jeanes Foundation. These supervisors acted as de facto superintendents for segregated Black schools and were tasked with elevating educational standards in rural communities. Gibson was one of the few African American women in Virginia to hold such a post, making her a trailblazer in the state’s educational landscape.
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Her work involved surveying local schools, securing supplies, mentoring teachers, and modeling lessons across grade levels. She focused on strengthening curriculum quality and expanding access to learning materials and enrichment. Gibson’s dedication extended beyond administrative tasks—she taught students in diverse subjects, advocated for facility improvements, and mobilized parent-teacher involvement across the county. Her approach to education was holistic and ahead of its time, incorporating elements of health, industrial arts, moral training, and civic responsibility.
Portrait of Susie G. Gibson
Community Leadership & Civic Engagement
1947.11.20. Susie Gibson Who's Who in Bedford County. Bedford Bulletin 30 Nov 1947, p.1
1947.11.20. Susie Gibson Who's Who in Bedford County. Bedford Bulletin 30 Nov 1947, p.1
Bedford Training School 1930
Bridging Divides
Beyond the classroom, Susie G. Gibson was a formidable civic leader with influence that extended throughout Bedford County. She actively participated in numerous organizations aimed at improving public welfare and health outcomes, particularly for the Black community. As chair of the Bedford County Tuberculosis Association, she promoted disease awareness and community prevention. She also volunteered for the American Red Cross and collaborated with local churches to inspire students and encourage school attendance.
Her deep commitment to public service and her ability to work across racial lines earned her wide respect. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she received a scholarship to study at the University of Michigan, an extraordinary achievement for a Black woman at the time. Gibson’s ability to connect educational goals with public health and civic unity made her a powerful advocate for systemic change during a time of entrenched segregation.
A Lasting Legacy:
The School That Bears Her Name
Though Susie G. Gibson passed away in 1949, her legacy was cemented just a few years later. In 1952, Bedford County’s school board voted to name its new high school for African American students in her honor. When Susie G. Gibson High School opened its doors in 1954, it became the only school in Virginia at the time named after a Black woman, an honor as bold as it was rare.
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After desegregation in 1970, the school was renamed the Bedford Educational Center, but Gibson’s influence remained embedded in the institution’s culture and in the lives of its alumni. In 2020, the Bedford County School Board voted unanimously to restore the school’s name as the Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center. Two years later, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources installed a highway marker to formally commemorate her contributions.
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Today, her name represents not just a building, but a movement. Through the work of Susie G. Gibson Legacy Inc., her visionary leadership continues to inspire generations to strive for educational excellence, community unity, and social justice.
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