Activism

Wilfred Tibbs Ussery Celebrates 95th Birthday: “Have a Purpose”

Dr. Paul L. Cobb, publisher of the Post newspapers, served as the “Master” Master of Ceremonies as he welcomed guests to the stage to talk about Ussery. Geoffrey Pete, owner of Geoffrey’s, and Ussery’s old friend, provided the soul food refreshments.

Published

3 years ago

October 15, 2023

Oakland Post

(Left to right) Wilfred Tibbs Ussery at his 95th birthday celebration at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle in Oakland, Mrs. Gay Plair Cobb, Dr. Paul L. Cobb, and Mrs. Maxine Ussery. Photograph by Conway Jones.

By Conway Jones

Wilfred Tibbs Ussery celebrated his 95th birthday with his family and friends on Oct. 8 at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle in Oakland.

Ussery has dedicated his life’s work to civic engagement and the advancement of the disenfranchised.

He served as the chairman of the San Francisco Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). He was also the president of Black Urban Systems, a firm that consulted African Americans on getting control of services, institutions, and resources in their communities.

He served for 18 years as an elected director and president of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District Board.

He was an active member of many national and local social change organizations.

He helped organize non-violent, civil disobedience sit-ins, including the successful 1963 demonstration at Mel’s Drive-In and the 1964 Automobile Row demonstrations in San Francisco.

Norman Brown and Dr. Oba T’Shaka spoke of his skills in architecture and his ‘people skills,’ teaching how to “put your ego aside” and let organizations be administered by the best qualified.

Among those present enjoying, bringing greetings, and reminiscing were his son, Wilfred R. Ussery, and old friends: Altheda Carrie, Norme Rogers Jackson, Rhonda Benin Long, Sophia Maxwell, Carol Tatum, Kitty Epstein, Dr. Lynette McElhaney, Merlin Edwards, and Troy Belton.

Ussery thanked his wife, Maxine, for her more than 50 years of love and support. He also thanked the assembled guests.

He challenged the next generation to “have a purpose,” to do something with their lives that will make a difference.

Wilfred Tibbs Ussery is not retiring. His last remark was that he was preparing his speech for his 100^th birthday celebration.