Ray M. Robinson (Finding Aid)

Ray M. Robinson

1947 -

Favorite Color: Earth Tones

Favorite Food: Chicken

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Ski Resorts

Interview Length: 106 minutes

Interview Date(s): August 14, 2003

Interview Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia

Abstract

Ray Robinson describes in detail his father's and mother's family backgrounds, recalling stories of their growing up in northern Texas. Robinson recounts vivid stories about his paternal grandfather, Vernon Robinson, who was a famous character in the lore of Corsicana, Texas. Ray Robinson then describes his own childhood, recalling Hamilton Park, his neighborhood on the north side of Dallas, Texas. He says Hamilton Park was an ideal community for him, and that despite segregation, African American residents had all the amenities they desired. He also describes his mischievous childhood personality, and talks about the role of church in his upbringing. Ray Robinson describes his schooling experience at Hamilton Park School, where he attended elementary, junior high, and senior high. He credits many teachers with creating a positive learning environment at Hamilton Park. He then describes the social segregation in Dallas during the 1950s. He then recalls the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Robinson describes his first job after graduating high school, as a technician at AT&T. He then explains why he left his job at AT&T to attend college at the University of Denver. He then recalls his experience at Denver, explaining his successful adjustment to an all-white environment. Ray Robinson discusses how he acquired a summer job at AT&T and explains his duties there. Next, he talks about his relationship with John King and talks about how King helped him financially in college and in getting into the Colorado National Guard. Robinson then remembers applying for jobs after graduate school and talks about why he decided to continue working for AT&T. He lists his qualifications and discusses whether affirmative action played a role in his hiring. Robinson tells about his position at NORAD where he was in charge of their communications. He remembers a DEFCON situation that arose there and gives the details behind it. Robinson lists the positions he's had with AT&T. Then, he explains a crisis at AT&T in which he was nearly forced to resign. He describes an advertising campaign in which AT&T crossed various racial lines and got in trouble. Robinson talks about how he helped the company regain its credibility within the African American community. Ray Robinson tells how he becam Ray Robinson discusses African American participation in golf, and explains the sport's recent increase in popularity among African Americans. He then details the successful history of East Lake Community Association, a mixed-income housing project built around the East Lake Golf Club. Robinson cites the participation of African American community members as vital to the club's success. Robinson shares his hopes and dreams for the African American community, hoping that blacks will be able to continue to excel in the business world. He also shares his plans for helping other communities to develop mixed-income housing developments. Robinson then considers his legacy and how he would like to be remembered.

46 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)