Trustee Gerald Talbot honored for social justice and civil rights achievements

The Jean Byers Sampson Center for Diversity in Maine honored UNE Trustee Gerald E. Talbot and his work for social justice and civil rights with a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Gov. John Baldacci.

Talbot was honored at a dinner on Thursday, October 21, 2010, at the Keeley Banquet Center in Portland.

Gerald Talbot was the first African American to be elected to the Maine state legislature where he was instrumental in the passing of several civil rights bills. He also has served several terms as president of the NAACP Portland Branch, and it was his collection that was the catalyst for the African American Collection of Maine, which is housed at the Sampson Center for Diversity.