Carrie C Robinson facts for kids

Carrie Coleman Robinson (born April 21, 1906 – died May 25, 2008) was an amazing African American educator and librarian. She helped start important groups like the Freedom to Read Foundation and the Alabama Association of School Librarians. Carrie worked hard to make sure everyone had access to books and learning.

Biography

Carrie Robinson was born in Madison County, Mississippi in 1906. She lived to be 102 years old!

Early Life and Education

Carrie graduated from Tougaloo College in 1931. After that, she went to library school at Hampton Institute.

In 1948, Carrie wanted to take more library classes at the University of Alabama. However, she was not allowed to join because she was Black. Instead, she went to the University of Illinois to earn her master's degree.

She later started working on a higher degree at the University of Illinois in 1953. She left her studies because of family issues and a professor who wanted her to focus her research on a white school program, which she disagreed with.

Beginning Her Career

From 1932 to 1946, Carrie worked as a head librarian at many colleges. These colleges were in states like Kentucky, South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia.

In 1946, she began working part-time at Alabama State College. She was a helper for school libraries and also taught library education.

At that time, Black librarians were not allowed to join the main Alabama Library Association. So, in 1947, Carrie helped create a special group within the Alabama State Teachers Association. This group later became the Alabama Association of School Librarians. Both of these groups were for Black educators and librarians.

From 1962 to 1973, Carrie supervised school libraries for Black students in the Alabama Department of Education.

In 1966, a new law called the Elementary and Secondary Education Act provided money to states to make school libraries better. Even though Carrie was very qualified, she was not chosen for a top position. A white librarian with less experience was picked instead. Carrie was given a lower-ranking job to supervise elementary school libraries.

Fighting for Fair Treatment

On May 14, 1969, Carrie Robinson took a brave step. She filed a complaint in court. She said that because she was Black, she was not treated fairly as an employee of the Alabama State Department of Education. Soon after, her department was changed and moved to a very small office with five other employees.

The Alabama Department of Education said they did not discriminate against her. But on December 23, 1969, the National Education Association (NEA) and the Black Alabama State Teachers Association filed a lawsuit to support Carrie. They argued that the department had treated her unfairly and broken her rights. They pointed out that she was ignored for the supervisor job, and a white woman with "far inferior" skills was hired.

Some people asked the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) to support Carrie in court. However, neither the AASL nor the American Library Association (ALA) did so. Carrie was a board member for AASL and an ALA Councilor at the time.

The case ended on October 6, 1970. Carrie and the department reached an agreement. Carrie was promoted to a higher position called Educational Consultant III. She also received a pay raise and had all her legal fees paid. This was a big win for her and for equal rights.

Later Career and Retirement

In 1969, Carrie was a founding trustee of the Freedom to Read Foundation. This group works to protect everyone's right to read different kinds of books. She served as a trustee until 1974.

In 1972, Carrie became the director of the library media program at Auburn University.

Carrie Robinson retired in 1975, after a long and important career.

Family Life

Carrie married Thomas L. Robinson on June 12, 1935.

Her Passing

Carrie Robinson passed away in Montgomery, Alabama, on May 25, 2008. She was 102 years old.

Recognition and Awards

Carrie Robinson was a member of many important organizations throughout her life. She was part of the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians, and the Alabama Association of School Librarians. She was also a life member of the National Education Association. Carrie helped start the School of Library Media at Alabama A&M University in 1969.

She received many awards and honors for her hard work and dedication:

• Alabama LAMP Workshops, Meritorious Service Award (1979)
• Southern Poverty Law Center, Outstanding Service to Cause of Human Rights and Equal Justice Certificate (1990)
• Freedom to Read Foundation Award for School Library Administration, Library Educator, Intellectual Freedom Advocate, Service and Commitment (1991)
• Alabama Association of School Librarians' Award; Distinguished Service (1947–70)
• Personalities of the South Award (1976–77)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Award for Courageous Pursuit and Accomplishments in Civil Rights (1971)
• Black Caucus of ALA Award (1974)
• Alumnae of the Year Award, Tougaloo College (1970)
• Distinguished Service Award, Alabama Library Association (1980)

Carrie Robinson's life showed great courage and dedication to education and equal rights for all.