Hartford and CT mourn loss of beloved ‘tireless champion of civil rights’, mother and woman of faith

The Greater Hartford community is mourning the loss of a prominent civil rights leader who was known to inspire others to work for social justice and to end discrimination.

Joan Gibson was best known for her “unwavering commitment” to fighting for justice and equality for all, according to Greater Hartford NAACP President Corrie Betts. Gibson was 76.

Betts said that Gibson was a passionate leader who worked tirelessly in the NAACP, serving as their Hartford Branch president, first vice president of the State Conference, and National Resolutions Committee member.

Gibson also was an inspiration to many residents, as she empowered many community members to join her in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.

According to the Greater Hartford’s NAACP’s official announcement of her passing, Gibson’s never-ending devotion to fighting against discrimination and inequality has left a deep influence and impact on her community and beyond.

The Greater Hartford NAACP branch also said that many in the community remember Gibson as a strong champion for voting rights, educational equity, and fair housing. Her efforts helped to bring about significant change and progress in the fight for civil rights.

Gibson’s daughters shared some of their most notable memories of their mother, noting she would take them door-to-door to obtain petition signatures and look for voters.

Daughter Nicole G. Lara said that she remembers growing up as a kid that her mother always made sure to instill excellence in her and her siblings, which she still carries in her heart as an adult.

“I remember a saying that my mom used to always teach us. It was ‘good, better, best – never let it rest. Until your good is better, then your better is best,’ The way that my mom raised us is probably why I am the way that I am with my children. You have to strive for excellence. Not perfection, but just excellence,” Lara said.

Daughter Liz Reid shared said Gibson also taught them to tap into the power of perseverance and her giving heart toward others.

“She also instilled in us that whenever things were not always going well, whatever you put your mind to, you can do it. She had a very giving personality,” Reid said. “She was always willing to see the good in others. She always gave of herself to other people. You know, she was always there for everybody.”

Daughter Stacy Reid Mosby said that she remembers Gibson being a devout woman of faith, and opening her home to her daughter’s friends to hang out in as a youth.

“My mom was very God fearing. She did teach us about the Lord and took us to church growing up quite a bit. She opened her door to our friends. Our house was the house where everyone hung out…She welcomed everyone, always feeding us.”

Reid Mosby also said that Gibson loved spending time with her grandchildren, even trying to get them involved in the NAACP Youth Council.

“She loved, loved her grandchildren. Yes, she got them involved, trying to get them involved into the NAACP as well. She took them on trips with her, whether it was in D.C. to Congress, (she took) my son…and a couple others to conferences. She also instilled in them the NAACP,” she said.

She also recalls Gibson taking her and her siblings to the March on Washington to have the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday become a national holiday.

“I probably was in fifth or sixth grade. I can’t remember exactly. But I remember her taking us on the March on Washington. And we marched to have Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday become a national holiday. I remember doing that,” she said.

Ultimately, Gibson’s daughters say, she will truly be missed and they will work to make sure that her legacy lives on.

Community leaders and elected officials also expressed their grief about Gibson’s passing and respect for her work.

State Department of Housing Deputy Commissioner Brandon McGee said that he remembers Gibson’s dedication to raising up her community, educating and advocating for, as she said, “the least, the lost and the locked out in our community.”

From “her work with the Greater Hartford NAACP (beginning) in 1971, serving as 1st Vice Chair for decades on behalf of the Hartford community (to her) work in the Connecticut Secretary of State’s office, (she) showed her commitment to giving people a voice and an opportunity to participate in their government through that most fundamental right: their vote. Her service to her community was incomparable, and she will be deeply missed,” he said.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said that Gibson worked for civil rights for all residents.

“Joan Gibson was a tireless champion of civil rights for Hartford residents of all backgrounds through her leadership in the NAACP, paving the way for generations of social progress,” Bronin said. “My thoughts are with her friends and family, and as a city, we are so grateful for the legacy and progress she leaves behind.”

City Councilman TJ Clarke II said that he recalls Gibson as a staunch supporter for Voting Rights and a long time and extremely active member of the NAACP.

“Her passion for encouraging people to register to vote and (teaching others about) the institution of what the NAACP stands for will never be forgotten,” he said.

NAACP Connecticut State Conference President Scot X. Esdaile said that Gibson worked tirelessly for the NAACP for over 50 years, serving in numerous capacities within the Connecticut State Conference of Branches.

“Within the CT NAACP State Conference of Branches, (Gibson) served as First, Second and Third Vice President. She was the head of Branch and Field Operations; and she was a nationally certified NAACP Trainer for the State Conference, where she was responsible for the training of all officers and executive Committee members,” he said.

“Additionally, she was a long-standing member of the National Resolutions Committee which develops and sets policy for the National Association. She will be missed tremendously,” he added.

Betts also said that while Gibson’s passing is a great loss to the movement, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the lasting impact she made.

“When you look at the work that she put into issues that we are still dealing with today, as far as voter registration and voter rights and all those kinds of things that she championed is an example of what we could and should be doing to continue to make sure individuals like herself that their legacy lives on,” he said.

The Gibson family will receive friends on from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 16 at The Lodge Community Chapel, 130 Deerfield Road, Windsor, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11 a.m., her obituary said.