Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/160

152 law department of the Howard University, at Washington, D. C., from which he earnestly endeavored to graduate, but was forced to give up his studies on account of ill health. He next turned his attention to teaching, and passed an examination for a position in the public schools of his native state. In due time he procured a school and taught successfully for nine months, beginning in 1879.

Before recounting Mr. Robinson's journalistic career, we would call the attention of the reader to his popularity in the community where he lives, and to his circumstances. He is a bright mulatto, rather diminutive in size, with extremely affable manners. He owns the property in Alexandria where he resides. He married young and is blessed with a devoted wife, loving children, and a host of friends by whom he is highly respected. He stands high in society, and is president of the Frederick Douglass Library Association, the most prominent literary and social organization at his home. He is a true and faithful friend; and being a shrewd politician, is easily the leader of the Afro-American people of Alexandria, who always consult him on questions of public moment and general welfare. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Colored National Press Convention, and delivered an address at the National Press Convention which met in the Metropolitan A. M. E. church, Washington, D. C., March 5, 1889, his subject being "Representative Negroes."

During the time he taught school he became interested in journalism and politics, to which he has given much study and attention. Being a close student of human nature and a good judge of men and measures, he has contributed to the press many thoughtful, able, and logical articles upon