Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs was a pastor, abolitionist, and Florida’s first and only Black Secretary of State. He also helped to build the state's education system, including leadership to establish @FAMU_1887 (#FAMU #FAMUly #Rattlers #FangsUp🐍). #BlackHistoryMonth 
Born in Philadelphia in 1821, Gibbs worked as a carpenter’s apprentice before he attended Dartmouth College, the third Black man to do so. He later attended Princeton Theological Seminary to become a minister.
He became a prominent abolitionist, working with Frederick Douglass and others, writing for anti-slavery publications, and serving as Pastor for the First African Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. He called for equal treatment on the rail cars and accommodations.
After the war Gibbs felt called to move south to help newly freed slaves. Eventually, he arrived in Florida in 1867 and started a private school in Jacksonville.
He became more involved in politics. He was one of eighteen African American delegates to the 1868 Florida Constitutional Convention.
Though he unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives, he was appointed Secretary of State under Gov. Harrison Reed. The position was seen as ceremonial. He made it proactive.
During his time in office, he led investigations into the KKK and other criminals. He was also active on the Board of Education, and after his term ended he served as Florida Superintendent of Public Instruction and as a Tallahassee City Councilman.
Gibbs’ son carried on his legacy, serving multiple terms in the Florida House of Representatives, but his legacy also lives on today in Florida A&M University, which he helped to establish. A powerful and growing inheritance. #BlackHistoryMonth
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