Uncrowned Community Builders

Ernestine Robinson was born on November 10, 1940 in Town Creek, Alabama. She was the third child born to Ernest L. and Bessie Robinson, following the untimely deaths of two earlier children. Her survival brought untold joy to this family, and even with the arrival of three other siblings (Turner, Edward Cornell, and Mary Louise), it persisted through the years.

The Robinson family arrived in Buffalo, from Cleveland, Ohio when Ernestine was 8 years old. She attended the public schools of Buffalo and Erie Community College.

She joined Bethel A.M.E. Church at an early age and was active in all the Youth Departments. Later, she identified for a short time with the Agape A.M.E. Church.

Her five children included two daughters, Verniece (Douglas) May of Buffalo and Andrea (Randy) Manuel and three sons, Ernest (Juliette) Robinson of Jacksonville, Florida, and Frederick (Cathy) Robinson and Demetrius Robinson both of Buffalo.

Ernestine was a ceramics instructor at 1490 Jefferson for many years. In addition, she was a member of the BUILD Organization, charter member of the Juneteenth Celebration and a board member for fourteen years, and political activist for the All People's Congress.

A dynamic speaker who frequently spoke out against the injustices suffered by African Americans, she addressed political rallies, university student groups, and community functions.

Ernestine Robinson died in 1991.