Fraser Robinson Jr.

Fraser Robinson Jr. was a diversity consultant and employee of the University of Chicago, known for his work in promoting equal employment opportunities at various Chicago-based institutions, including Commonwealth Edison and the University of Chicago Hospitals. He was also the father of Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, and Craig Robinson, a former Iowa State University men's basketball coach. Robinson Jr. worked closely with organizations such as the Chicago Urban League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to address issues related to civil rights and social justice. His efforts were recognized by the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois, which honored him for his contributions to the community.

● Early Life and Education

Fraser Robinson Jr. was born on August 24, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Fraser Robinson Sr. and LaVaughn Johnson Robinson. He grew up in a South Side, Chicago neighborhood, where he attended Bryn Mawr Elementary School and later DuSable High School. Robinson Jr. went on to study at Chicago State University, where he earned a degree in business administration. During his time at Chicago State University, he was involved with the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and developed an interest in community development and social work. He also worked with the Chicago Park District and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to provide recreational and educational programs for local youth.

● Career

Robinson Jr.'s career spanned several decades, during which he worked as a diversity consultant for various organizations, including Commonwealth Edison and the University of Chicago Hospitals. He was also employed by the University of Chicago, where he worked in the human resources department. Robinson Jr. collaborated with institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. His work with the Chicago Urban League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People focused on addressing issues related to employment discrimination and equal opportunity employment. He also worked with the US Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to develop and implement policies promoting fair labor practices.

● Personal Life

Fraser Robinson Jr. married Marian Shields Robinson in 1960, and they had two children, Craig Robinson and Michelle Obama. The family lived in a South Shore, Chicago neighborhood, where they were active members of the Trinity United Church of Christ. Robinson Jr. was a close friend of Jesse Jackson and Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and he worked with them on various community development projects. He was also involved with the Chicago NAACP and the Congress of Racial Equality, organizations that aimed to promote civil rights and social justice. Robinson Jr.'s personal life was marked by his commitment to his family and his community, as evident in his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

● Notable Activities

Fraser Robinson Jr. was involved in various notable activities throughout his life, including his work with the Chicago Urban League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He participated in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he heard Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his famous I Have a Dream speech. Robinson Jr. also worked with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to address issues related to voting rights and police brutality. His efforts were recognized by the City of Chicago, which honored him with a proclamation for his contributions to the community. He also received awards from the University of Chicago and the Chicago State University for his work in promoting diversity and inclusion.

● Family and Legacy

Fraser Robinson Jr.'s family has continued his legacy of promoting social justice and community development. His daughter, Michelle Obama, has worked with organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization to address issues related to global health and education. His son, Craig Robinson, has been involved with the National Basketball Association and the NCAA to promote youth development and sports education. Robinson Jr.'s wife, Marian Shields Robinson, has worked with the Chicago Public Schools and the University of Chicago to develop programs promoting early childhood education and family support services. The Fraser Robinson Jr. Scholarship Fund was established in his honor to provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education at Chicago State University and the University of Chicago. His legacy continues to inspire individuals and organizations working towards promoting social justice and community development in Chicago and beyond. Category:American diversity consultants