Patricia Murphy Robinson facts for kids

Patricia Murphy Robinson, also known as Pat Robinson, was an important Black activist and feminist leader. She worked mostly in Mount Vernon, New York. She started the Mount Vernon Women’s Group, a group of Black women who worked for change in the 1960s and 1970s.

Who Was Patricia Murphy Robinson?

Early Life and Career

Patricia Murphy Robinson studied at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. She then went on to graduate school at the Boston University School of Social Work. By the 1960s, Pat was married and had three children. She worked as a private psychotherapist and a social worker, helping people with their mental health and social needs.

Starting the Mount Vernon Women's Group

In 1960, Pat Robinson created the Mount Vernon Women’s Group. This group was also known by other names like "the Pat Robinson Group." It included Black women of different ages, jobs, and backgrounds. Pat met these women through her volunteer work. They all cared about social issues in their community.

The group talked about many important topics. These included welfare, housing, and sexism. Sexism is unfair treatment based on a person's gender. The women’s group also published articles with Pat’s help. These writings discussed the unique challenges Black women faced. They also spoke out against unfair systems that worked against Black women.

Another part of the women’s group started in New Rochelle. This new group was for young women. These young women created their own organization called “Black Radicals Onward.”

The Freedom School: Learning for Change

In 1966, the Mount Vernon Women’s Group started a special place called a Freedom School. It was held in the apartment of Joyce H., another group member. The school met on Saturday afternoons and continued through the 1970s.

At the Freedom School, children were treated as equals, not just students. Instead of regular subjects like math, they learned about different types of unfairness in society. They also learned how to deal with these challenges and make things better. Many of the children at the Freedom School also attended the Mount Vernon Women’s Group meetings.

Working for Justice: Other Activism

Pat Robinson supported Malcolm X, a famous civil rights leader. She was one of many people who met with Malcolm X. They asked him to help create a group called the Organization of Black Power. However, he decided not to join.

After Malcolm X passed away, Pat helped start a group called “Black Women Enraged.” This group aimed to support Malcolm X’s family. Pat later left this group because she had different ideas about how to achieve their goals.