Civil Rights and Racial Justice: From 1960 Sit-ins to Today's Challenges

Van Gilmer was among the first persons to be involved in the sit-ins at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro NC in the 60’s. The movement spread throughout the nation and ultimately resulted in the opening of establishments throughout the country. It also began his lifelong involvement in working for Equal Justice for all people. 

He served for 37 years in the US Navy as an architectural engineer, and later as their Director of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), after which he returned to Engineering Management positions. After retiring in 2004, Van became Music Director at the Bahá’í House of Worship for North America. He is also a renown soloist, composer, and director, and has travelled and performed extensively throughout the US and internationally.

Van continues to be involved in Civil Rights and Racial Justice movements, with his current involvement as a member of Race Awareness in the North Shore (RAIN), Healing Everyday Racism in our Schools (HEROS) and as a board member of Together Is Better (TiBA).