MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2006 1st Extraordinary Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dawkins, Gordon, Gollott, Horhn, Frazier, Simmons, Thomas, Harden, Morgan, Posey, Tollison, Hewes, Chaney, Butler, Jordan, Jackson (11th), Williamson, Turner, Dearing, Jackson (32nd), Walls
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE ON THE DEATH OF DR. GILBERT MASON, SR., THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST "CIVIL RIGHTS DOCTOR," AND CELEBRATING HIS LIFE AND LEGACY.
WHEREAS, Dr. Gilbert R. Mason, Sr., the much respected Mississippi Gulf Coast "Civil Rights Doctor," died on Saturday, July 8, 2006, and was honored at his funeral as hundreds paid last respects to the 77-year old self-described Freedom Boomer; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mason was a dedicated physician who was committed to quality health care and fundamental patient rights for those on the Gulf Coast and the entire State of Mississippi. He fought for respect for the dignity of black patients and white patients alike and for equal status of black physicians in previously all-white hospitals and the medical community at large; and
WHEREAS, compelled to ensure equal civil liberties for all, Dr. Gilbert R. Mason, Sr., was a fearless patriot who often was one of the first in a group of concerned citizens that fought for social change, justice and civil rights. He was commonly referred to as the "Civil Rights Doctor" or the "Drum Major for Freedom." He was recognized for his local, state and national activism; and
WHEREAS, a focal point of his tireless legacy was to effect equal access to education in the public schools in Biloxi and all of Harrison County. Distressed by inequality in voting rights, Dr. Mason and others pioneered political awareness among black citizens through staunch involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Democratic Party. He employed every tool to establish voting rights as well as voter education programs; and
WHEREAS, the beach wade-ins he organized in the late 1950s and early 1960s were Mississippi's first noted civil disobedience. The price he paid was smear campaigns against his practice and threats against his family. After an 8-year court battle led to desegregation of Coast beaches in 1968, Mason did not quit his vocal public stance for civil rights; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Gilbert Rutledge Mason, Sr., was born at home in Jackson, Mississippi, on October 7, 1928. He was the third child of Willie A. and Adeline Mason. An intellectually curious child, he was educated in public schools and was a 1945 graduate of Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi. He participated in Boy Scouting among many other activities and was one of the first black Mississippians to earn the rank of Eagle Scout; and
WHEREAS, at a young age of 16, Dr. Mason pursued an undergraduate degree at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. During his freshman year, he met Natalie Lorraine Hamlar of Roanoke, Virginia, whom he married in 1950. While in college, Dr. Mason became a member of Zeta Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, beginning one of his most inspiring life-long activities. In 1949, he completed studies with "high distinction" earning a double degree in Chemistry and Biology with a minor in Math. He pursued a Doctor of Medicine Degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and graduated with honors in the Spring of 1954. He completed an internship at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the foremost postgraduate training institutions for African-American physicians. In later years, he was a proud to earn certification as a Diplomate of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and he maintained his board certification status until the year of his retirement; and
WHEREAS, determined to make his home in Mississippi, Dr. Mason identified Biloxi as the place he wanted to begin his medical career. He moved with his wife and one-year-old son, Gilbert Jr., and established a medical practice in 1955. The Masons quickly became members of First Missionary Baptist Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. Because of his commitment to the community, he became a Scout Master (Troop 416), a member of the PTA, Masonic Lodge (33rd Degree), and Elks Lodge. He often felt his most significant contribution to the community was founding the Biloxi Branch of the NAACP in 1960, of which he was President for more than 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mason became affiliated with the Biloxi Regional Hospital (later known as Howard Memorial). In 1967, he was conferred full staff privileges and would later become a member of the State Board of Health, the State Board of Medical Examiners, and was selected Chairman of the family practice section at Biloxi Regional Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Mason will be missed by his endearing wife, Gwendolyn Lewis Anderson Mason; his beloved daughters, Diane Marcelin, Gilda Yvette Sizor, Yolanda Marie Juzang, Angela Rose Juzange, and Gilbert Jr.'s ex-spouse Givonna Joseph; his sons, Darian Anderson, (Karen), David Owens Mason, Adam Owens and Dr. Gilbert Rutledge Mason, Jr.; mother-in-law, Ada Lewis; sister-in-law, Elnora N. Mason; niece, Carolyn Mason Stamps Varando, and a host of other relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi has lost a leader whose inspiration was to change America and the world. May he rest in peace and may we all do our part to honor his life and legacy with our words and actions:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby express the sympathy of the Legislature on the death of Dr. Gilbert Mason, Sr., the Mississippi Gulf Coast "Civil Rights Doctor" and celebrate his life and legacy as an unwavering advocate of civil and human rights and a champion of nonviolence which is to be admired and emulated.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dr. Mason and be made available to The Sun Herald and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.