The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING HOWARD E. ROBINSON, SR.'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
______
HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 8, 2021
Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Howard E. Robinson, Sr., a constituent of Virginia's 4th Congressional District. In February, Mr. Robinson will reach the milestone birthday of turning 100 years old.
Howard E. Robinson, Sr., was born on February 1, 1922 in Chase City, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, to Robert and Mary Robinson. Mary a domestic worker, and Robert, a janitor, both believed in education to provide ladders of economic mobility for their children.
Mr. Robinson attended the Thyne Institute, which was established by the United Presbyterian Church and dedicated to educating Black children. Thyne Institute was the only school in Mecklenburg County for children of color to attend for almost 50 years, and due to the abhorrent policies of the Jim Crow South, Mr. Robinson was unable to attend an integrated school.
From a young age Howard understood the principles and ideas of hard work. To pay for his education at the Thyne Institute he cut grass for the school and drove the principal and his daughter into Chase City to shop.
Howard would graduate from the Thyne Institute as valedictorian, and go on to study at Virginia State College, now known as Virginia State University (VSU), on a full scholarship. While in college Mr. Robinson met Anna Smith, who he would marry in 1951. Mr. Robinson graduated from Virginia State College with a degree in biology.
Upon graduation from Virginia State College, Howard returned to the Thyne Institute to teach geography and English. In 1942 as World War II raged on, Howard was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a clerk and chauffer for a Captain at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Howard was honorably discharged after more than two years of service.
Following his service, Howard and Anna built a home in Chase City and became active in their community. Howard returned once again to the Thyne Institute, where he would teach biology, chemistry, and general science at the middle and high school levels for fifteen years. Howard went on to teach and serve as a guidance counselor in Mecklenburg County Public Schools at East End High School for 35 years.
Howard continued to pursue his own education throughout his career. At the request of the Principal and Superintendent, Howard pursued graduate level coursework from the George Washington University, Virginia State College, and obtained a master's degree in Guidance from the Hampton Institute, in 1962.
After spending his career in education, he retired in 1987.
Howard has dedicated his life to service. In total, he taught for fifty years. It is estimated that he educated, counseled, and inspired more than 10,000 students during his career. He also has provided civic, church, and academic leadership in the Southside community. Howard has lived a life of purpose, integrity, and love.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Howard E. Robinson, Sr., a happy 100th birthday.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 178
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
Alerts Sign-up