Born in Harlem, N.Y. in 1954, Gilbert West Sr. was educated in N.Y.C. schools. He attended, and acquired his G.E.D. from Opportunities Industrialization Center (O.I.C.) in the Bronx, N.Y. Afterwards, West attended Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y. and was the first of his 16 brothers and sisters to graduate from college. West majored in English with minors in Education and Philosophy, graduating in 1980. After college, West moved to Washington, D.C. and attended the Antioch School of Law (now known as the Dave Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia) where he graduated in 1984.

West became a New York State Licensed Representative for the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board in 1987 and continues to practice Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Law to this day. West obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the Community Bible Institute (CBI) in 2007. Through the grace of God, Bro. West received several honors and awards from CBI, and completed the four year program in three years.

On October 24, 2001 Gilbert was admitted to practice law in New York and he expanded his practice to include Personal Injury/ Motor Vehicle Accidents, Wills and Uncontested Divorces. West is past President and Board Chairman of the Black Executives of the Mid-Hudson Valley and also past President of the Board of the “Protect the Dream Youth Program”. West is a recipient of the N.A.A.C.P “Men of Distinction Award”, a 2013 recipient of the “Black Achiever Community Award”. West has served as “First Vice President” of the Northern Dutchess Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P. He is also the founder and President of “From Ghetto to Greatness Inc.” which sponsors an annual Student Mentor Conference and a “Back to School Prayer Breakfast.”

West is the proud father of a son, Gilbert Jr., and 2 daughters, Tobbie and Grace, and proud grandfather of Nazur Gilbert, Hayden Christian, and Ellijah. Presently, West is putting the finishing touches on two books. One is a biblical study reference guide entitled “The Biblical ABCs”.  The other book is about his life entitled “From Ghetto to Greatness”. West has dedicated his adult life to helping get our youth enrolled into college, graduating, and succeeding in attaining their dreams, goals, and Godly desires.