History of Robinson, Jr. Elementary School

  • Judson W. Robinson
    Judson W. Robinson, Jr. Elementary School, located at 12425 Wood Forest in east Houston, celebrated its grand opening and dedication ceremony on the morning of Wednesday, August 28, 2002. Community leaders, elected officials, and family members of the school’s namesake were all on hand to witness the festivities.
     
    Furr High School’s jazz band provided music during the event, and the special guests of honor were Mrs. Margarette Robinson and Judson Robinson III, the widow and son of the late councilman.
     
    “I know if my father could have been here, he would have been so proud,” said Robinson. “He recognized how important education is to a person’s success, and having a school named after him is an incredible honor. So on his behalf, thank you, to everyone who made it happen. I know my father would be very pleased.”
     
    A tireless champion for education and civil rights, Judson W. Robinson Jr. defied historical odds in 1971 and became the first African-American elected to Houston City Council.

    Robinson was re-elected nine times and served twice as mayor pro tempore, the post he held at the time of his death in 1990.

    Over the course of Robinson's 19-year run as Houston councilman, he fought for better working conditions for Sanitation Department employees, insisted that the Houston Fire Department and Police Department hire minorities and urged the city to build parks and libraries in disadvantaged neighborhoods.