Spottswood W. Robinson, III

1995 Honoree

As a young man Judge Spottswood W. Robinson, III had two heroes, his father and paternal grandfather. In fact, he idolized his grandfather because of his fearlessness and accomplishments. Spottswood W. Robinson, Sr. was born into slavery and systematically robbed of educational and economic opportunity, and yet he became a successful businessman.

Spottswood W. Robinson, III graduated from Virginia Union University with honors in 1937 and entered Howard Law School. His professors became his new heroes because they helped him to envision the law as a means of solving the basic problems of American society. For Robinson, this vision became a challenge that gave his life purpose. According to Harry T. Edwards, Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals, "Robinson graduated from Howard Law School with what is still reputed to be the highest scholastic average in the school's history."

The men who taught and inspired him were giants. Their names were William Hastie, George E.C. Hayes, Charles Houston, Bernard S. Jefferson, W. R. Ming, James M. Nabrit, Jr. and Leon A. Ransom. After graduation, Robinson, his mentors and another group of Howard-trained Attorneys: Thurgood Marshall, Oliver Hill, Arthur Shores and C. Wolden met at Howard or in nearby cities to assist each other in prepaiing civil rights cases. They were a marvelous group of men who unselfishly gave time and knowledge to the cause of civil rights. At various times, Robinson was an instructor, professor and later dean of Howard's Law School and also a partner in the law firm of Hill, Martin and Robinson in Richmond.

This skilled trial lawyer worked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund at various levels and was part of the team that argued Brown versus Topeka Board of Education before the U.S. Supreme Court.

President Kennedy appointed Robinson to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights where he served from 1961-1963. President Johnson appointed him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit where he served with distinction from 1966 until retirement in 1989.

When asked what lessons he would pass on to this generation of young Americans, his response was, "Set your goals carefully and fearlessly and pursue them unswervingly."