Gibson shares his 12 year research on the Foundation of Southern University

Everette D. Gibson is a Southern University graduate, former Mathematics professor and currently Southern University’s Football Historian and the author of his own book titled, “A Portrait of Southern University,” released on June 30, 2014. The book covers Southern University’s history from 1880 to 2012.
Wuth a desire to tell the truth about Southern’s history, and in great detail, Gibson decided to write the book. Gibson also felt there should be a record of the outstanding history of SU and its graduates.
“When other people write your history, they write what they want it to be and we write who we are,” said Gibson.
Southern University’s history, which is discussed throughout the book is separated into three parts swhich include: A Comprehensive History of Southern University, The Momentous Achievements of Southern, and Southern University and Its Great Football Traditions. There is also a section set aside for the history of the Bayou Classic, Human Jukebox, and Dancing Dolls.
Part one introduces the reconstruction and relocation of SU to Baton Rouge. Part two elaborates on the achievements of 46 graduates, more than 500 terminal degree holders, 90 CPA’s and six different families. Part three is about the football programs that focus on the history of eighteen head coaches created including A. W. Mumford, iconic games Southern played and their wins.
Gibson goes on to discuss four pillars of Southern University foundation. “The first pillar is P. B. S. Pinchback, without him there is no SU. The second pillar is J. S. Clark who became president of Southern University in 1912. The third pillar is Felton G. Clark, Clark’s son who was an outstanding educator and set Southern education at a national level. The fourth Pillar is A. W. Mumford who set the Jaguars football standards at national levels and credibility at Southern University.”
“I wanted to show how SU is the Sole Black Mother of the Black Middle Class in the state of Louisiana.” “I also wanted to show how the black middle class came from Southern,” added Gibson. “ It is important our community know Southern written history.”
Gibson started his research and devoted twelve years, while the last five years to finishing the book.
Gibson said he began researching the school’s history as a Football Historian.
“Upon researching football, I ran across prodigious other material about Southern University,” said Gibson. “I studied materials from Tulane University, Louisiana State University, and Howard University, etc.”
Gibson’s daughter Kiwanni Gibson Ash is also a Southern graduate, and helped design “A Portrait of Southern University, and the website.
Joshua Vance, sophomore Civil Engineering major from Oakland, CA said that he was actually interested in the book.
“It’s like an up-to-date history book about SU and its sounds good,” said Vance.
“A Portrait of Southern University” book can be found at any national bookstore including Southern University’s Bookstore s and online at sujagsnation.com. The cost of the book is $28.95. There are also three available copies at the John B. Cade Library.