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WHEREAS, William “Bill” Russell Robinson, a lifelong advocate for minority rights and dedicated public servant to the city, county and state, passed away in his Hill District home at the age of 78 on June 9, 2020; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Robinson, who is survived by his mother, Annie L. Kemp Robinson and two children, William R. Robinson II and Nyota N. P. Robinson, will be fondly remembered as someone who cared deeply for the community, always having its best interest at heart; and,
WHEREAS, a graduate from the 1960 class of Schenley High School, Mr. Robinson would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from Ohio State University in 1964, and a master’s degree in political science from Duquesne University in 1972; and,
WHEREAS, his political career began in 1978, as he was elected as a member of Pittsburgh’s City Council in 1978, where he would go on to serve as State Representative to the 19th House District from 1989-2002, and County Councilman of the 10th District, a role he filled as the budget committee chair until 2014; and,
WHEREAS, during the construction of PNC Park and Heinz Field, Mr. Robinson stood alone in the region as he tirelessly fought for minority contracts, a reflection of his honor and commitment to the communities he represented;
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare June 16, 2020 to be “William Russell Robinson Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.