Central Nova News

Ira L. Robinson, a notable figure in Alexandria, Virginia's history and the first African-American to serve on its City Council post-Reconstruction, passed away at his residence in Temecula, California. He was 85.

Robinson played a significant role during his three-year term on the Council, particularly in education, housing, and law enforcement. He was instrumental in implementing a 1971 secondary school integration plan that aligned Alexandria public schools with federal desegregation laws. This period of change became the backdrop for the Disney film "Remember the Titans," which depicted the community's journey through school consolidation and a celebrated football championship.

The political landscape of Alexandria during Robinson's tenure was marked by his debates with Republican Wiley F. Mitchell. Despite differing priorities, their discussions led to advancements in minority hiring practices, city-wide distribution of moderate and low-income housing, development of the Metro area transit system, and redevelopment projects such as Potomac Railroad Yard and Cameron Station.

Before joining the council, Robinson dedicated himself to reforming policing in Alexandria and improving relations between officers and African-American youth. His contributions included serving on various commissions related to crime prevention and community relations.

Born in New York City in 1938, Robinson moved to Richmond after his father's death. He graduated from Virginia Union University in 1959 and later earned a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law as one of its few African American students at that time.

Robinson began his legal career with Susquehanna Corporation before moving to Atlantic Research Corporation as an administrative assistant. He relocated to Los Angeles towards the end of his council term and continued working in healthcare and real estate law until retiring from K&R Law in 2006.

In retirement, Robinson returned to political activism by supporting Democratic candidates and participating in voter protection efforts. His surviving family includes former wives Sharon Derring Robinson and Barbara Thibault Robinson; daughter Cary D. Robinson; son Marcus A. Robinson; two granddaughters; a great-granddaughter; nieces; nephews; and close friends Andrew Epps, Andrew Evans, and Mary Ames.

Donations can be made in memory of Ira L. Robinson to Virginia Union University or the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

For communication assistance in other languages, contact Language.Access@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.