Robert D. Perkins Sr. facts for kids

Robert Dean Perkins Sr. (August 11, 1922 – April 19, 1994) was an important American educator, businessman, and civil rights activist. He lived in Tallahassee, Florida. Robert and his wife, Trudie Perkins, worked hard to make sure everyone had fair chances at jobs in the city government. At that time, very few African-Americans held important positions in the city.

Their efforts led to a special agreement in 1975. This agreement made the city of Tallahassee hire African-Americans in numbers that matched their population in the city. This was a big step towards equality.

Early Life and Learning

Robert Perkins served in the U.S. Army. He fought in World War II. He was honorably discharged from the army in 1944. Later, he met Trudie Mae Chester while they were both students at Florida A&M University.

He graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1947. He earned a degree in physics, auto mechanics, and mathematics. He later taught these subjects as a professor. He taught at both his old university and Florida State University.

Robert Perkins married Trudie Mae Chester (1921-2013) on September 10, 1946. They had five children: Robert Dean Perkins Jr., Romerio Dorianzo Perkins, Loretta Zelena Perkins Speed, Jacqueline Yvonne Perkins, and Reginuer Demetre Perkins.

Making a Difference

Robert and Trudie Perkins owned and ran a business. It was called Perkins Service Station and Beauty Shop. It was located in Tallahassee. They offered many services to people in their community. They often helped people who couldn't pay much. They also helped students and staff from FAMU.

Their service station was special because it was owned by a Black family. It had three gas pumps. This was important during the Tallahassee bus boycott. They could provide enough gas for residents taking part in the boycott. Mr. Perkins also spent a lot of time helping students. He tutored them in math, chemistry, and other subjects. He often helped them at the service station or at his home.

In the early 1950s, Robert Perkins was one of the few Black residents who spoke up. He wanted new places for Black youth to play. He kept trying for a long time. When city officials didn't make this a priority, Mr. Perkins and Mr. Charlie Jenkins took action. They drove Black youth to play at parks in white neighborhoods. This action made the city decide to build a recreation center for Black children. Soon after, Jake Gaither Park and Recreation Center was built in 1954.

In the early 1960s, Mr. Perkins led the Recreation Advisory Council. He asked the city and county leaders for more money and support. He wanted to expand recreation places for Black people in Tallahassee and the county.

Lasting Impact

Mrs. Trudie Perkins was one of the first Black nurses. She worked at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. She worked hard to stop unfair job practices. She also fought against bad treatment of Black workers. When Mrs. Perkins and her coworker Lizzie Smith were fired, Robert Perkins stepped in.

He prepared information for 25 workers from the city hospital. He helped them file complaints with the United States Department of Justice. He used his own time and money to travel to Washington, D.C. There, he met with important leaders like Senators Ted Kennedy and Birch Bayh. He showed them proof of unfair treatment in city jobs.

Finally, United States Attorney General William Saxbe agreed with Perkins. The U.S. Department of Justice used Mr. Perkins' information. They filed a complaint against the city of Tallahassee in December 1974. They said the city had a history of treating Black people unfairly in hiring and promotions.

In April 1975, a judge named Winston Arnow made a decision. The city agreed to a "consent decree." This meant the city would fill half of all job openings with minority applicants. This would continue until 23.7% of jobs in eight different categories were held by Black people. This was especially important for jobs they had been kept out of before. These included administrative, skilled craftsman, technician, professional, and official roles.

Later Life

Robert Perkins passed away on April 19, 1994. He had been ill for some time.

Special Recognition

On September 10, 2021, the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, and Florida A&M University held a special ceremony. They renamed Gamble Street in honor of Robert and Trudie Perkins. The street is now known as Robert and Trudie Perkins Way. This honors their important work and lasting legacy.