ABOUT US
VISION
Discovering, Collecting, and Preserving Original Source Materials pertaining to the history of African Americans in Palm Beach County.
Establishing a facility for safeguarding and displaying such materials.
Insuring the realization of educational goals for the enlightenment of African American communities in Palm Beach County, Florida and the African Diaspora.
MISSION
To facilitate the development of
a research library and cultural center,
which will provide exceptional learning, programs, exhibitions, and events
to educate our youth and prepare
them for the future.
Officers of AARLC of Palm Beach County, Inc.
Officers of AARLC of Palm Beach County, Inc.
Annie Ruth Wilburn - Nelson, President
Annie Ruth Wilburn - Nelson, President
Annie Wilburn Nelson is a lifetime resident of
West Palm Beach, FL. She graduated from
Roosevelt High School.
College graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, PA,
Cum Laude with a B.S. Marketing and Distribution.
She obtained a Master's Degree in
Administration and Supervision from
Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.
Retired from the School District of Palm Beach County after 30 years where she held the positions of DCT Coordinator, Business Teacher, Marketing and Merchandising Instructor, and Job Placement Coordinator.
Prior owner of:
Blue Front BBQ Sauce,
Annie's Subs & Ice Cream, and Black Goddess Cosmetics.
Faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, serving as Trustee for 15 years, and
President of the Senior Usher Board and a member of social justice team ministry of the PEACE (People Engaged in Active Community Efforts) organization.
She is a strong
Community Advocate for Social Justice.
Donald Gibson, Vice President
Donald Gibson, Vice President
Donald Gibson, II. was born in West Palm Beach, FL and graduated from Roosevelt High School, located in West Palm Beach, Fl and graduated from Florida A&M University, located in Tallahassee, FL. After graduating from FAMU, Mr. Gibson relocated to San Francisco, California.
While residing in San Francisco, Mr. Gibson was employed as a mental health counselor, clinical coordinator, and a program analyst for Ward 92 San Francisco General Hospital, later becoming the Clinical Director.
Mr. Gibson returned back to West Palm Beach and immediately began getting involved in crime prevention, educational needs, and Coleman Park Improvement Project.
Mr. Gibson became involved with AARLCC of Palm Beach County, Inc. when retired educators Mr. S. Bruce McDonald and Mr. Floyd Andrews, along with Honorable Judge Edward Rodgers suggested he would be an asset in helping with the African American Research Library and Cultural Center of Palm Beach County, Inc. with exposure of the African Diaspora and aiding in preserving African American pioneer's artifacts.
Gwendolyn Ferguson, Secretary
Gwendolyn Ferguson, Secretary
Gwen Ferguson is a native of West Palm Beach, FL. She
attended the local public schools and graduated from
Roosevelt High School.
She obtained a Bachelors of Science degree from
Florida A. & M. University in Tallahassee, FL and a Master's of Education degree from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
In 1995' she retired from Palm Beach Community College after serving as an academic counselor for 22 years.
Since January 1, 1996, she has served as the Executive Assistant at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in
West Palm Beach, FL
Alice G. Barnes, Treasurer
Alice G. Barnes, Treasurer
Alice Givens-Barnes is a lifetime resident of West Palm Beach, Florida. She is a graduate of
Roosevelt High School.
Graduate from Jersey City Medical Center School of Radiology. College degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in Occupational Management.
Retired from Good Samaritan Hospital after 20 years where she was a Radiation Technologist. After another 15 years, she retired from the School District of Palm Beach County as a Director of School Aged Childcare.
Dedicated member of Christ Evangelical Baptist Church, serving as a Youth Leader for over 25 years, a member of the Mass Choir and Leader of the Communion Team.
She is a devoted wife, mother and Prayer Warrior.
Group Proposes Transformation of
Roosevelt High School in West Palm Beach, Florida
Group Proposes Transformation of
Roosevelt High School in West Palm Beach, Florida
African American Staples in West Palm Beach, FL
African American Staples in West Palm Beach, FL
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
Organized in 1893. Originally was located on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, FL. This was the first school for African Americans in Palm Beach County.
Pine Ridge
Hospital
Pine Ridge
Hospital
Established in 1916 to serve (negros) African Americans. Pine Ridge Hospital offered the only hospitalization to
African Americans during segregation and the Jim Crow era.
Sunset Cocktail
Lounge
Sunset Cocktail
Lounge
Established in 1933 for Jazz Entertainment. Was considered the "Cotton Club of the South". Ella Fitzgerald and prominent jazz entertainers performed at the Sunset Cocktail Lounge in West Palm Beach, FL.