Readers react to articles on Booker T. Gibson

The Herald recently published two articles by Scott Brinton on Booker T. Gibson, a music educator from North Merrick, “Breaking racial barriers at every turn” (Dec. 2-9) and “Booker T. Gibson, witness to history” (Dec. 9-15). We received a great deal of mail on those pieces. Here’s a sampling:

Article such a surprise

To The Editor:

What a surprise to open the Merrick Herald and find an article about Mr. Gibson. I did a double take, saying to myself, Could this be my Mr. Gibson from Valley Stream South High School?

Students do not always remember all of their teachers, but Mr. Gibson was a teacher no student could forget. He was a kind and caring educator who made music something for all of us to appreciate. I don't remember all his lessons, but I still remember that he insisted we always know how to spell the word rhythm.

I am glad to hear that he is still performing as a musician. Keep up the good music, Mr. Gibson!

Lenore Shumer-Stamm

Oceanside

Shumer-Stamm, an alumna of Valley Stream South High School, class of 1969, is executive director of the Long Island Infant Developmental Program in Merrick.

Rock on, Mr. Gibson!

To the Editor:

I remember Booker T. Gibson as a great teacher and a joyful man who always smiled. He was a teacher who came to school each day to impart his love of music and life on any student who was open to such an experience. It is such a pleasure to see that he is still enjoying life and that his students are still enjoying him. Rock on, Mr. Gibson, rock on!!

Mary Donaldson

Venice Beach, Calif.

Donaldson is an alumna of Valley Stream South High School, class of 1973.

Enjoyable articles

To the Editor:

Really enjoyed the two articles. Great work! Thanks.

Steve Maltese