[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E81]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E81]]
        TRIBUTE TO THE LATE RICHARD CHARLES ``RC'' ROBINSON, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to salute a 
fallen hero. Richard Charles `RC' Robinson, Senior. RC passed away on 
Saturday, January 27, 2001. The irony is that he gave so much of his 
heart to others, and it was his heart that failed him in the end.
  RC was many things: the first African American appointed to the 
Missouri State Barber Board, early civil rights activist, and mentor, 
husband, father, and friend to many, including myself. Whenever duty 
called RC was never one to turn his back on the task at hand. During 
the turbulent times of the 60's, RC led a sit-in at a restaurant that 
refused him coffee. This grassroots effort led to the end of similar 
discriminatory practices by businesses of the day.
  Everyone who knew RC always succumbed to his charisma. The words of 
Rudyard Kipling's poem ``If'' depict RC well, for he could ``walk with 
kings'' without losing ``the common touch.'' He walked with great 
celebrities and public officials as well as with those disenfranchised 
or homeless. The legendary Muhammad Ali once sat in RC's barber chair 
and the police mistook the fan fare for a riot. ``The Greatest'' paid 
great respect to RC. The service that RC provided to the community will 
never be replaced, just as his many kind deeds will never be forgotten.
  When I visited R.C.'s Barber Shop he would always welcome me with 
open arms. The talk of the day would turn not only to the current 
events, but also the historic struggles and the resulting progress 
which led the way to greater equity for African Americans in our 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting Richard Charles ``RC'' 
Robinson, Senior, a dedicated public servant and a soldier for justice 
and equality. Also, Mr. Speaker please join in sending condolences to 
his wife, Dottie and his daughter, Terri. This great human being will 
be missed, but his memory will live on in all those whose lives he 
touched. We are a better community for his having lived.

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