Wiley College News February 21, 2020 Gail K. Beil’s final blessing brings Wiley rare books The Wiley College Winston Cole library accepted a large collection of rarer literature. The collection was donated by late city commissioner and social justice advocate, Gail Kimes Beil. This donation was one of the commissioners parting wishes. The ceremony saw the attendance of numerous Wiley College students, faculty, and late commissioner Bell’s two children, Tom and Lauran. The ceremony captured the empathy, astonishing work ethic, and intellect that defined commissioner Beil’s life. Those in attendance were able to hear words from both her children as they recounted their mother’s life. The sizable number of books with content about civil rights leaders and Wiley College history reaffirmed that even in passing, the commissioner was dedicated to giving and helping others. “We weren’t surprised” Commissioner Beil’s daughter Laura responded when asked about her reaction upon hearing about the donation by Beil to the library. She continued with “The only specific mention in her will was Wiley College”. Her son Tom shared the same sentiment adding “I think we expected it”. The 81-year-old had been a staunch advocate for educating the world about James Farmer Junior ever since she met him in 1984. Farmer had come back to Marshal for a documentary where they met and remained friends. Now, Her life’s work and collection of literature serve to improve and educate the Wiley College students just like Farmer. Sandra M. Phoenix HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Building Capacity for Humanities Special Collections at HBCUs – Become an ally and partner with us to protect, preserve and share a more authentic record of American history. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/humanities-2019.html for more information. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/ and click on the Donate Now button to invest in this project. Your support is appreciated. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/