Robert E. Robinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robbie Robinson
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Robinson in 1982
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| Born |
Robert Edward Robinson
July 30, 1947 |
| Died | December 18, 1989 (aged 42) Savannah, Georgia
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| Cause of death | Mail bomb sent by Walter Moody |
| Alma mater | Savannah State University University of Georgia School of Law |
| Occupation | Attorney Savannah City Councilmember |
Robert Edward Robinson (born July 30, 1947 – died December 18, 1989) was an important person from Savannah, Georgia. He was a lawyer, a champion for civil rights, and a member of the city's council. When he was a teenager, Robbie helped make schools in Savannah open to all students. He also took part in a protest that helped open Savannah Beach to everyone. Later, he became a lawyer and was elected to the city council. Sadly, he passed away in 1989 due to a dangerous package. The person responsible for this act was later identified and held accountable.
Contents
The Life of Robbie Robinson
Growing Up and Learning
Robbie Robinson was born in Savannah, Georgia, on July 30, 1947. His parents were Robert and Edna Robinson. His family called him Edward, but most people knew him as Robbie. His parents met at Georgia Industrial College, which is now Savannah State University. Robbie had two older sisters. His father worked as a Pullman porter and was part of a special workers' group called the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. This group was led by African American people. Robbie was very smart from a young age. He started kindergarten when he was four and first grade at five years old in 1952.
In 1963, Robbie made a big difference. He was one of twelve Black students who joined Savannah High School. Before this, only white students went there. This was part of making schools fair for everyone. He finished high school the next year.
Robbie also helped with the civil rights movement when he was young. In 1963, he joined a "wade-in" protest at Tybee Island beach. This event helped open the beach to all people, no matter their race. Even though the protesters were arrested, the beach soon became open to everyone.
After high school, Robbie joined the United States Air Force. He worked as a military policeman. In 1968, he left the Air Force and went to Savannah State University. There, he studied accounting. While at college, Robbie married Vivian Cook. He finished his degree in just three years, graduating with high honors in 1971.
Next, Robbie earned a scholarship to study law at the University of Georgia. He was one of the first three African American students to attend this law school. He graduated in 1974. After becoming a lawyer, he worked for a program that helped people with legal issues.
Becoming a Lawyer and City Leader
In 1976, Robbie returned to Savannah. He started working at a law firm. Soon, he became a full-time lawyer there. A few years later, he opened his own law office in 1981. He also became the main lawyer for the local NAACP group. The NAACP is an organization that works for equal rights.
In 1980, Robbie started getting involved in politics. He became the chairman of the Savannah Transportation Authority. Then, in 1982, he decided to run for the city council. The city council helps make decisions for the city. Robbie ran against a powerful banker, but Robbie won the election easily. He became one of three African American members on the nine-person council.
As a council member, Robbie was known for helping the people in his district. He worked with Savannah mayor John Rousakis. Together, they created more fun places for kids and families in his area. Robbie was reelected to the city council in 1986 with a huge number of votes.
Remembering Robbie Robinson
On December 18, 1989, a mail bomb exploded in Robbie Robinson's law office. Robbie was badly hurt and died later that day at the hospital. This bombing happened just two days after another mail bomb killed a judge named Robert Smith Vance in Alabama. The person who sent these bombs was Walter Moody, from Georgia. He targeted people connected to the civil rights movement. Moody was found guilty and punished for his crimes.
Robbie Robinson's funeral was held four days after he died. It was a rare day with a snowstorm in Savannah. To remember Robbie, a parking garage, a public park, and an apartment building in Savannah were named after him. There is also a scholarship in his name. This scholarship helps students who want to go to Paine College, Savannah State University, or the University of Georgia.
