A Telling Silence
This file appears in: Robert Gilbert
This Baylor University press release about the 1967 commencement exercises made no mention that the school conferred degrees upon its first two black graduates that day. Its silence on the topic reveals what the university at the time did and did not deem worthy of public notice. However, since then, Baylor has acknowledged Gilbert’s accomplishments with accolades such as a memorial lamppost outside the Bill Daniel Student Center, as well as departmental and university scholarships named in his honor. In addition, the renovated Tidwell Bible Building, home of Baylor’s history and religion departments, will feature an exhibit commemorating Gilbert’s life and work.
This file appears in: Robert Gilbert
Robert Gilbert
Despite many obstacles, Robert Gilbert offered “no excuses” when he found himself at the forefront of enacting racial integration and advancing civil rights in Waco. His efforts left an indelible mark on the city and Baylor University. He was born…