[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF MR. LONAL XELA ROBINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2013

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the memory 
of a gifted young man and community servant, Mr. Lonal Xela Robinson. 
With exceptional skill and purpose, he dedicated his life to helping 
those around him and enlightening his community through the arts.
  Mr. Robinson was born in Champaign, Illinois on June 24, 1979. His 
parents instilled within him a love for community service and an 
evident compassion for all of God's creatures. While in high school, 
Mr. Robinson achieved the prodigious feats of writing the play 
``CHANGE'' for the National Association of Negro Business and 
Professional Women's Club, Inc, as well as serving as vice president in 
charge of programs for the organization. His play, ``CHANGE,'' won 
first place in a national convention held in New York City, judged by 
Broadway stage casts. Mr. Robinson later attended Langston University 
where he distinguished himself further by founding the Langston 
University Theatre and Drama Club, as well as traveling the country 
doing mission work with the Wesley Foundation and United Methodist 
Church.
  After graduating college, Mr. Robinson went on to lead and write for 
the Houston Sun. Under his leadership, the newspaper expanded its 
presence and embarked on bold community initiatives in Houston. He led 
the organization in its adoption of Emancipation Park to present back-
to-school rallies and talent shows for children in the community. He 
started the Houston Sun Presents program, which offered educational, 
instructive, and entertaining programs and services to the community. 
Along with his work in the community and leadership of the Houston Sun, 
Mr. Robinson wrote two yet-to-be published works of poetry, ``Pieces of 
Me'' and ``Poetry for all Seasons.'' He also served in various 
organizations: ombudsman for the National Association of Negro Business 
and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. and the National Council of Negro 
Women. He also received a number of awards for his contributions to the 
community, including the 4-H Club Spirit Award, Million Men March 
Award, and the Houston Sun Beacon of Light: Men of Valor Award.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Robinson will be missed dearly by a 
multitude of family and friends. This family includes his mother, 
Dorris Ellis Robinson; brother, Sirrod Robinson; two sisters, Shuronda 
and Dorcaus Robinson; as well as a loving extended family. Mr. Robinson 
will be remembered in Houston as a thoughtful and intelligent young man 
who used the prime years of his life to make his community a better 
place.

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