[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 6, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING VAN ROBINSON

  (Mr. MANNION asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MANNION. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Van 
Robinson, of Syracuse, who died Saturday at the age of 87.
  The history books will remember him as the first African-American 
president of the Syracuse Common Council, a body whose chambers now 
bear his name, but his legacy and contributions are far richer.
  It was Van Robinson who began the conversation about tearing down the 
highway that divides our city through a thriving African-American 
neighborhood. Now, the reimagining of I-81 is the largest 
infrastructure project in the history of upstate New York.
  It was Van Robinson who revived the local NAACP chapter. It was Van 
Robinson who always advocated for his community. It was Van Robinson 
who went out of his way to mentor and support the leaders of Syracuse, 
including me.
  I thank Van for making Syracuse, a place we both love, a better 
place.
  I send my prayers and condolences to Linda Brown-Robinson and the 
Robinson family.
  God bless you, Councilor. Rest in power.

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