1. Establishing Schools and Education:
- Founding of Lincoln Institute:
- In 1866, Gibbs co-founded the Lincoln Institute, a historically Black college in Jefferson City, Missouri. This institution aimed to provide educational opportunities for freedmen and prepare them for leadership roles.
- Gibbs served as the school's first principal and worked to establish a curriculum that emphasized practical and vocational training.
2. Political Advocacy and Leadership:
- State Legislator:
- Gibbs was elected as a state legislator in Missouri from 1866 to 1868, where he advocated for policies and laws to improve the conditions and rights of freedmen.
- He worked towards securing equal rights for Black citizens in areas such as education, voting, and access to public facilities.
- Assistant Superintendent:
- In 1870, Gibbs was appointed as the assistant superintendent of the Freedmen's Bureau in Missouri. This federal agency was created during Reconstruction to provide assistance and resources to freedmen.
- In his role, Gibbs helped coordinate educational programs and supervised efforts to establish schools for Black children.
3. Civil Rights Activism and Journalism:
- Founding of The New Era:
- In 1865, Gibbs co-founded and edited The New Era, a newspaper dedicated to promoting the rights and interests of Black people.
- The New Era became an important platform for discussing civil rights, political issues, and the challenges facing freedmen.
- Through his writing, Gibbs advocated for social and political reforms, as well as the full citizenship and equality of African Americans.
- Advocating for Voting Rights:
- Gibbs's activism also included efforts to secure voting rights for Black men.
- He spoke publicly in support of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed voting rights regardless of race.
4. Promoting Economic Empowerment:
- Establishing the Black Business League:
- Gibbs helped organize the Black Business League in Missouri, an organization that aimed to encourage economic self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among Black citizens.
- He believed that economic empowerment was crucial for the success and independence of freedmen.
5. Collaborations and Partnerships:
- Collaborations with Civil Rights Leaders:
- Gibbs worked closely with prominent civil rights leaders, including Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois, advocating for the advancement of Black people and racial justice.
- He was also involved in the Niagara Movement, an early civil rights organization that preceded the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Jonathan Clarkson Gibbs's efforts to support freedmen covered various aspects of their lives, from education to political advocacy, civil rights activism, and economic empowerment. His commitment to justice, equal rights, and the upliftment of Black people made him a significant figure in the fight for civil rights during the Reconstruction era.