For Black History Month, we have been focusing on African-Americans who have left an indelible mark on Genesee County’s history. Thank you to our friends at the 67th District Court for shining a light on the life and legacy of C. Frederick Robinson.

From the 67th District Court:

Attorney C. Frederick Robinson was a leader of the Civil Rights Movement in Genesee County. His work in Flint spread throughout the entire United States. He attended Howard University for undergraduate and law school. He was admitted to the Michigan bar in 1956.

Attorney Robinson was instrumental in passing the 1968 fair housing ordinance, making Flint the first city to prohibit housing discrimination. His daughter Dr. Deborah Robinson recalled that, as a child, she slept on the lawn of City Council during a demonstration to support fair housing. There were 5,000 participants in that demonstration, and despite the counter demonstration by the Ku Klux Klan, fair housing laws quickly spread throughout the county until it became federal law a few months after the demonstration in Flint.

Attorney Robinson successfully advocated against many unlawful and discriminatory practices. He is particularly known for implementing policies that allowed for black people to be buried in previously all white cemeteries. He had successful practice in criminal law, fighting against unlawful detention without bail.

Attorney Robinson was well respected and loved for his legal jurisprudence as well as his charming demeanor. His daughter Dr. Debra Robinson recalls going to court with him as a child and being amazed that after court he would have lunch with opposing council. She said he enjoyed “thinking the law.”