Uncrowned Community Builders

Bessie Lee Smiley Robinson was born December 25, 1916 to Bessie Dixon Smiley and Willie Lee Smiley in Town Creek , Alabama . Bessie was the third eldest child of four children that included twin sisters and a brother. She received her formal education in the public schools in Lawrence County , Alabama . She was an active member of Ebenezer C.M.E. church and served as the Sunday School secretary from the age of twelve until age seventeen.

She married Ernest Robinson on November 21, 1936 . They had six children three of whom preceded her in passing (James Carl, Mose Edward, and Ernestine). The family moved from Chattanooga , Tennessee to Cleveland , Ohio , before making Buffalo , New York their final home. Mr. Robinson died in 1991.

Bessie loved to travel and was very active in her church and community. She joined Bethel A.M.E. Church under the pastorate of Reverend Charles Stewart. She was a member of the 1951 Gospel Chorus under the direction of Muriel Glover. She was involved in the Sunday School twenty-three years as a teacher and board member. Bessie was also a member of the Steward Board, Missionary, and Laymen's Organization. She served has community in various capacities. She was a member of the Bethel Head Start Policy Board for over nineteen years. In addition, she was a member of the Juneteenth Board of Directors and one of the festival founders. She served as the chairperson of the Angela Davis Defense Committee, a member of the Build Academy Policy Board, Glenwood Block Club #2, and was instrumental in the B.U.I.L.D. (Build, Unity, Independence , Liberty & Dignity) organization from its inception in 1967.

Bessie Robinson died on July 1, 1998 . She is survived by her sons (Malek) Turner L. and Edward Cornell, daughter Mary Louise, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.