[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 51 (Friday, March 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E283-E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ROBIN S. REED

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 2024

  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Robin S. Reed. Robin was a giant in the Arizona business community: a 
trusted mentor, a visionary leader and a staunch advocate for minority 
entrepreneurs and community development.
  From a young age, Robin's mother instilled in him and his four 
siblings the belief that life's obstacles were simply opportunities in 
disguise. At age 11, Robin lent his voice to Franklin Armstrong in A 
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, portraying the first Black character in the 
Peanuts. He embraced the opportunity with pride, recognizing the 
significance of breaking barriers and advocating for inclusivity. Robin 
discovered the rewards of hard work early--he managed golf courses in 
Northern California before he graduated high school and became a 
licensed stockbroker by the age of 19. He began his professional career 
in the financial sector--serving as a financial advisor at Charles 
Schwaab, stockbroker and detail shop owner. His experiences as a young 
man cultivated a life-long desire to help business owners thrive.
  An entrepreneur at heart, Robin started, acquired, operated, and sold 
several companies over his 40-year career. But Robin is perhaps best 
known for his tireless work as President of the Black Chamber of 
Arizona, a position he held for nearly a decade. Under his leadership, 
Robin tirelessly advocated for equitable access to the tools and 
education necessary for entrepreneurial empowerment, striving to 
eliminate barriers hindering economic growth Robin demonstrated an 
exceptional ability to navigate the complexities of the business world 
while remaining steadfast in his commitment to uplifting others. 
Because of his work, entrepreneurs across the state have been equipped 
with the confidence and resources to achieve their highest aspirations.
  Robin's generosity extended beyond his work with the Chamber. He was 
a passionate supporter of Treasure House, an organization aimed at 
empowering young adults with disabilities, ensuring they found support 
and opportunities for independence within the community as they 
transitioned to adulthood. He used his platform on the Social 
Television Network's Community Collaborative to highlight the actions 
of local businesses and leaders that promoted diversity, equity and 
inclusion. His recent collaboration with Impact AZ--a statewide 
initiative aimed at bridging the racial wealth gap for Black and 
minority-owned businesses--underscores his lifelong mission to foster 
intergenerational prosperity and opportunity for all Arizonans.
  We owe a debt of gratitude to Robin, who we lost at the age of 62 on 
February 28. He is survived by his wife, Shawna, and beloved children. 
Godspeed, Robin.

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