Washington State Pharmacy Association and continued efforts with the NNBL and NAACP. In 1948, he became a founding member of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma in Seattle further extending his bonds in the fraternal ranks of Black Greek
expired, he was appointed to the State Parole Board in 1963. Lillian had also been appointed to represent the state at the Council of Aging in Washington, DC, in 1960. More social and fraternal bonds were also established by their hands. Lillian was a founder of the
Letter Organizations. He also held membership in Hercules Lodge #17 of Seattle. By 1951, he had not only served two terms as Worshipful Master of the Lodge but also moved up as President of the Seattle Commercial Club. In 1953, the Gideon’s adopted his nephew, Melvin Dodd, to expose him to these circles and advantages in Seattle. By the time the Gideons ceased operations at the drug store in 1963, they held positions on multiple area boards including the Central Area Business League, Central Area
Central Area Motivation Program, a social work agency, in 1964. In 1965, Russell was a founding member of the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. They were considered society’s cream of the crop. Their accomplishments, to this point, had already become the substance of legend. They were the quintessential power couple of their time in Washington State. Yet, several of the accomplishments that Russell is most noted for occurred during the course of and after his retirement from his professional career.
Kiwanis Board, Seattle Urban League, East Madison YMCA, and Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Additionally, they were appointed to roles at the Washington State level. Governor Albert D. Rosellini appointed Russell as counselor for the Buckner Rehabilitation Center in 1959. After his term
In Washington Masonic circles, Worshipful Brother Gideon had become renown for his profession and his efforts to combat bogus Masonry in Washington State. His reputation among black and white Masons was stellar. These relationships were heavily leveraged as hammers to combat the bogus ranks.
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