[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 178 (Friday, October 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          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.

                          ____________________