Meet the Iowa Hall of Fame Inductee Who Has an Elementary School Named in Her Honor!

I'm a fan of looking into names. There's a lot that goes into a name or naming.  If you're giving a school a name they usually keep it for a few years, maybe decades.  A name can shape the identity and the way the community perceives it.

Where does Cedar Rapids get its school names?

Cedar Rapids is interesting, many famous people have rolled through these parts but they go with a few founding fathers, religions, and towns for high school names: the big guns, Washington High School, named after the first president.  There is no word on whether students must have wooden teeth or at least have to chop down a cherry tree and not lie about it.  Kennedy High School, named after our 35th president, Ich Bin Ein Iowan.  That was from Kennedy's great speech at the Berlin Wall in Iowa or maybe I'm getting my historical events mixed up.  Jefferson High School was named after Tom Jefferson 3rd president of the United States.  We know he's a big deal because Ken Burns did a PBS documentary about him.  He's from the other Monticello in Virginia, though they pronounce it a little differently.  Even the high-flying kite specialist Ben Franklin makes an appearance at Franklin High School.  That is understood, this guy was up to his neck in everything, science, politics, and education.

Cedar Rapids has another name up its sleeve and that is Viola Gibson.  When you learn about Ms. Gibson's contributions to Cedar Rapids, it's good to have her name etched in stone.  If you're not familiar with Viola Gibson, let me introduce you to this amazing woman.

Who is Viola Gibson?

We caught up with Viola Gibson at age 9, when she made the trek from Tennessee to Cedar Rapids.  She was a product of the Cedar Rapids Community School District and later a practical nurse, becoming a home nursing instructor for the Red Cross. Her calling also led to her serving as a minister for Christ Sanctified Holiness Church.

It was in 1942, after African Americans were denied entry into Ellis Pool that her skill as a community leader was unleashed.  She was determined to bring equality to Cedar Rapids founding the city's first NAACP chapter. We spring forward to Viola rallying Iowa's congressional delegation to support the historic 1964 Civil Rights Act.

According to the Viola Gibson Elementary website, her impact on education was unparalleled.  She brought black history into Cedar Rapids schools and poured her heart into numerous community and religious organizations.  She played a key role in initiatives like The LInn County Day Care Center, Bender Pool, Jane Boyd Community House, and Oak Hill Senior Housing

The naming of Viola Gibson Elementary is not the first time Ms. Gibson has been recognized for her contributions to Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area.  Viola earned accolades like Church Woman of the Year in 1969 from the Cedar Rapids Area Council of Churches, Outstanding Citizen of Iowa by the U.S. Jaycees, and Outstanding Older Iowan in 1979 from the Governor’s Conference on Aging. To celebrate her legacy, the NAACP hosts the annual “Yes, I Can” awards in her honor, ensuring her spirit of kindness and leadership continues to inspire future generations! 🌟

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Sing us out!

Gold and Blue! (School Song for Viola Gibson Elementary)

Chorus: Oh blue and gold, gold and blue, We pledge our loyalty to you. As time goes by, our friendships will be, Based on truth and trust, for all to see. Vs. 1 We cherish each person who travels through, Our halls and doors of gold and blue. Our differences we encourage, even celebrate, We stand proud and tall, our spirit is great! Chorus: Vs. 2 As we grow older and start to move on, We will always remember the words of our song. To Viola Gibson, we will always remain strong and true, Whenever we see the gold and blue. Chorus Copyright, H. Aubey, 2002