Robinson, Hubert Samuel, 1893-1972.

Chauffeur, butler, and gardener, 1932-1949, for the family of Frank Porter Graham, president of the University of North Carolina. Robinson was also a custodian, 1950-1966, at the University of North Carolina, a civic and political leader, and the first black alderman of Chapel Hill, N.C.

Hubert Samuel Robinson (1893-1972) was a chauffeur, butler, and gardener, 1932-1949, for the family of Frank Porter Graham, president of the University of North Carolina. Robinson was also a custodian, 1950-1966, at the University of North Carolina, a civic and political leader, and the first black alderman of Chapel Hill, N.C.

Robinson was born in Hogansville, Ga. and educated in Montgomery, Ala. He moved to Chapel Hill, N.C., in 1932 and became active in community affairs. He was deacon and later trustee of the First Baptist Church; an active member of Mt. Olive Masonic lodge, of which he was grand master, 1956-1957, and the Men's Civic Club; president of the Parent Teacher Association, 1944-1946, and consultant tot he Board of Education; founder, fundraiser, and active board member of the Roberson Street Community Center and Holmes Day Care Center, of which his wife was director; and fundraiser for community charities, especially the Red Cross and World War II bond drives. He was also a director of the Chapel Hill Burial Association and Chapel Hill Investment Club and in 1957 he was named Man of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of which he was a charter member.

In 1946 Robinson attended the Southern Conference on Human Relations and was active in the formation of the Chapel Hill chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1947, serving as its first vice-president. In 1950 he played a similar role in the formation of the Council on Negro Affairs.

Robinson was also a leader of the Democratic Party, first locally, then at the state and national level. He served as Chapel Hill city alderman, 1953-1965, and was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the O'Berry School in Goldsboro, N.C., in 1959 by Governor Luther Hodges. Robinson was reappointed to the Board in 1961 by Governor Terry Sanford.

Hubert Samuel Robinson was married to Addie Bell Palmer in 1937 with whom he had five children: Hubert Junior, Ernestine, Harold, Frank, and Beatrice.