Honoring the late historian Dr. Edward Robinson (1918 - 2012) for his unbridled passion and dedication to the study of African Ancestry, his many lessons on culture, anthropology, and heritage, and his commitment to the Philadelphia community.

WHEREAS, Edward Robinson was a renowned attorney, historian, author and professor from Philadelphia and among the first African American graduates from Temple Law School, along with Cecil B. Moore and the honorable Clifford Green. He was appointed Executive Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Deputy Secretary for the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission, and Assistant Managing Director of Philadelphia under Mayor Green; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robinson dedicated his life to effect positive changes in perceptions toward the ancestral value of people of African descent for the world through the exposure of the beauty, grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egypt and the Songhai Empire. He created an African Genesis theory that reunites African-Americans with their true ancestral beginnings, their beauty, and their accomplishments, opening the channels for change in self-concept, attitudes and behaviors; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robinson produced the best-selling historical album, “Black Rhapsody,” and the animated children's story, “The Songhai Princess,” which became the winner of four national prizes. He also co-authored the guidebook, “The World of Africans and Afro-Americans,” as well as the seminal book, “Journey of the Songhai People”; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, Dr. Robinson was awarded a contract with the Philadelphia Public School District to infuse African studies within the social studies, science, and mathematics curricula from kindergarten to 8th grade, thereby succeeding in making the teaching of African history mandatory for the District's 180,000 students; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robinson served as a professor of history at Cabrini University and the Community College of Bucks County, lectured extensively and received numerous awards and citations recognizing his devotion to African studies and the African Community; now therefore,

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors the late historian Dr. Edward Robinson (1918 - 2012) for his unbridled passion and dedication to the study of African Ancestry, his many lessons on culture, anthropology, and heritage, and his commitment to the Philadelphia community.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Harriet Robinson as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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