EVERETT — Carl Gipson, longtime Everett resident and former city councilman, is celebrating his 90th birthday today, and the public is invited to join the party at the senior center that bears his name.
Gipson and his family moved to Everett in the 1940s, and he joined the City Council in 1971, the first African-American in the city’s history to do so.
Gipson went on to serve more than 24 years on the city council.
“He clearly was a champion of diversity, a champion of human services, a champion of his community, his adopted hometown,” said Pat McClain, executive director of governmental affairs for the city of Everett, a position similar to one he held in Bill Moore’s administration, when Gipson served on the council.
Gipson played key roles during his tenure on the council, McClain said, helping Everett weather the downturn in the timber industry and economy, bringing Medic One to Everett, and especially lobbying the federal government to establish Naval Station Everett.
“He was able, with senior Pentagon officials both civilian and military, to put everyone at ease,” McClain said.
That set the tenor for the meetings and helped the city land the base, he said.
In 2009, the senior center was named after Gipson to honor his service to the city.
Chris Winters: 425-374-4165; cwinters@heraldnet.com.
Help celebrate
Community members are invited to celebrate with Carl Gipson and his family on Saturday. The party will take place from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Carl Gipson Senior Center, at 3025 Lombard St. in Everett.
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