Gloria Manson

Gloria Delois Manson

Subsequent to my graduation from BTW in 1966, I enrolled in Spelman College. My love of people, social justice, and community organization led me to major in Sociology. In addition to my studies I was a member of the SSGA (Spelman Student Government Association), Editor of the Yearbook (The Reflections), a member of the Spelman Glee Club and the AMS (Atlanta University, Morehouse and Spelman) Chorus. I, also, was given the opportunity to represent Spelman in Mexico and various cities in the USA for National Black Colleges growth

Upon graduating in 1970, I was employed as an instructor with Control Systems Research, providing training to the governmental Offices of Economic Opportunity Agencies for the disadvantaged in poverty stricken areas throughout the Southeastern USA. I, also, trained Vista Volunteers (Volunteers In Service to America) how to share/teach their individual expertise to the disadvantaged in various governmental agencies. Following this wonderful experience, I launched a career with Henderson Travel Service (domestic travel) and International Tours where I prepared, organized and escorted individuals and groups wherever they wanted to go in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, especially the Holy Land.

After years of grueling travel, I began work at Morehouse College in Institutional Advancement and late later moved to Morehouse School of Medicine at its inception as Director of Human Resources. While at the School of Medicine, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and then became a part of the Neurology department where I helped the medical students learn about the debilitating disease of MS and make their diagnosis along with the guide of the Professors. My working career ended there, when my health forced me to retire.

Above all else, I am dedicated to God, family, and my Church, the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where I serve as Eucharistic Minister, and Courtesy Coordinator to the sick and homebound. I am also, a member of the Haiti committee, where I am able to continue social work to our sister parish in Malfety, Haiti. My belief in and love of God was engraved in me by my mother and a group of Catholic nuns, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. I have now embraced the opportunity to continue the work of the Sisters as an Associate of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament serving as Orientation Coordinator and writing and being a photographer for our Atlanta Newsletter. God has blessed me abundantly, restoring my ability to walk from MS after 10 years as a paralytic constantly reflect on Psalms 51:10-11 “Create in me a clean heart, O. God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from me.”

MY FONDEST BTW MEMORIES:

Being elected Miss Washington High School, riding in parades, and being a part of all other Royal festivities.

Receiving a scholarship to Spelman College.

Being presented C ’66 Best All Around Student award at graduation.

Representing BTW at all of the other 6 Black High Schools.

Being presented the school football by Captain of football team, Franklin Huff.

Being appointed to and serving on the Meniak Youth Jury, learning the Georgia Judicial System.

Working with Judge Ed Brock and other Judges, Working in the Atlanta Police Department and City Hall.

Working /talking with incarcerated youth.

Receiving best typist of the Year Award

Walking to and from school with Richard Tillman skipping to the tune “We’re off to see the Wizard of Oz”

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