Robert E. Robinson facts for kids

Robert Edward Robinson (born July 30, 1947 – died December 18, 1989) was an important person in Savannah, Georgia. He was a lawyer, someone who worked hard for civil rights, and a member of the city council. When he was a teenager, Robbie helped to make schools in Savannah open to all students, no matter their race. He also took part in a protest that helped open Savannah Beach to everyone. Later, he earned a law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. He then practiced law in Savannah and was elected to the city council. Sadly, he was killed in 1989 by a mail bomb. The bomb was sent by Walter Moody, who was later found guilty of killing another person with a mail bomb.

Robbie Robinson's Life Story

Early Life and School

Robert Edward Robinson was born in Savannah, Georgia, on July 30, 1947. His parents were Robert and Edna Robinson. His family called him Edward to tell him apart from his dad. But outside his family, everyone knew him as Robbie. His parents met at Georgia Industrial College, which is now Savannah State University. Robbie was very smart from a young age. He started kindergarten when he was four and first grade when he was five.

In 1963, Robbie was one of twelve black students who enrolled at Savannah High School. This school used to be only for white students. This was a big step in making schools fair for everyone. He finished high school the next year. One of Robbie's first actions for civil rights happened in 1963. He joined a "wade-in" protest organized by the NAACP. This event aimed to open the beach at Tybee Island to all people. Even though the protesters were arrested, the charges were dropped, and the beach 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 started studying accounting at Savannah State University. While there, he married Vivian Cook. Robbie graduated from Savannah State in 1971 with high honors. He finished his four-year degree in just three years. After that, he received a scholarship to attend law school at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. Robbie was one of the first three African Americans to attend this law school. He graduated in 1974. He then worked for a program that provides legal help to people who cannot afford it.

Returning to Savannah

In 1976, Robbie came back to Savannah. He started working at a law firm as an intern, learning how to be a lawyer. Later that year, he became an associate attorney at the firm. In 1977, he became a partner in a new law firm. By 1981, he opened his own law office. Around this time, Robbie also became the main legal counsel for the local NAACP group.

In 1980, Robbie became the chairman of the Savannah Transportation Authority. This was his first step into politics. In 1982, he decided to run for a spot on the city council. He ran against Joe Bell, a local banker. Even though Bell had much more money for his campaign, Robbie won easily. He became one of three African Americans on the nine-member council. As a council member, Robbie was known for helping people in his district. He worked with the Savannah mayor to create more parks and fun places in his area. Robbie was reelected to the city council in 1986 with a lot of support from voters.

His Death

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.