A CONVERSATION WITH MY FATHER, BROTHER, AND FRIEND

By Brother Mark W. Robinson

Recently my father, Brother Floyd W. Robinson, Jr. (1948 Alpha) celebrated his 96th birthday and marked an impressive 76 years as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Our family is truly blessed to continue to benefit from his presence, guidance, and perspective so I wanted to celebrate the occasion by asking him to share some of his life’s journey and Omega experiences. His life is a testament to the power of perseverance, service, and commitment to brotherhood. Reflecting on his remarkable journey, he humbly stated, “It has been a long, challenging, yet blessed life!”

Born on November 16, 1928, arriving just one day shy of the 17th anniversary of Omega Psi Phi’s founding, Brother Robinson’s entrance into the world was anything but ordinary. As a breech delivery and the last of five children, his birth was fraught with complications and left both he and his mother in serious condition. As he was born at home, with limited medical support available, the doctor was faced with a difficult choice: care for and save either his mother or the newborn. His father, my grandfather, made the ultimate decision to prioritize his wife’s well-being saying, according to Brother Robinson, “I got four children, take care of my wife.” Despite the odds, both mother and son survived, setting the stage for a life defined by strength, resilience, and perseverance.

At a very early age, music became an integral part of my father’s life. “I loved music and loved to sing. I was known affectionately as a “boy soprano” due to the high pitch of my voice”. He sang across Washington, D.C., captivating audiences and developed a deep connection to the art form. “My love for music was fostered at Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., where I sang in the various choirs from age 8 up until age 86. I felt my voice was meant to serve a purpose; to offer joy during celebrations and holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also to offer comfort to those who had lost a loved one and requested a certain song to be sung during the funeral service.” He imparted his love of music to all his sons, and we have all sang individually and in various groups together over the years. jokingly remarked, “We’ve been waiting for you Robby” (laugh). We were in the Lampados Club for six months, and those who made it through were then selected to go through the initiation phase. That was another six months of difficult times but eventually we made it to the end. When we crossed the “burning sands” on November 23, 1948, that was an emotional but extremely happy time! We felt like we had accomplished something incredible that would be with us for the rest of our lives.”

Brother Robinson attended Washington, D.C. public schools, including the legendary Dunbar High School (the renowned “M Street” high school also attended by Founders Cooper and Coleman.) Dunbar was well known for its academic and athletic prowess. A standout student and athlete, Brother Robinson excelled in football and track, earning AllMetropolitan honors in both. “Dunbar was an exciting and challenging place to be in the early 1940’s. There were so many smart and talented students there. Despite the racism of the time, we were taught and thought we could rule the world someday (laughing).” In her book, “First Class –The Legacy of Dunbar, America’s First Black Public High School”, the author and journalist Alison Stewart tells the story of the school’s history. Brother Robinson was interviewed for the book, offering his perspective on his time at the school.

Graduating from Dunbar in 1946, Brother Robinson went on to Howard University, where he received a football scholarship and further honed his athletic abilities. A CIAA Conference football and track star, he was well-known on campus not just for his academic and athletic prowess but for his charisma. It was because of these that in the fall of 1947, he was “invited” to join Omega Psi Phi’s Alpha Chapter Lampados Club. This phase of his initial entry into the process was captured in the 1947 Fall edition of the “Oracle” and includes an article describing the Alpha Chapter Coronation and mentions that “…Floyd Robinson sang…” during the event. Reflecting on that early period, Brother Robinson recalled “the Brothers knew about me and were itching to get me into the Lampados Club. Several of them

Once he became an Omega, Brother Robinson became a member of the famous Alpha Chapter Omega Chorale, under the direction of Brother Valerian Smith (who was a great piano player and composer, went on to become a dentist, and was the father of the noted actress Lynn Whitfield) the chorale performed across the city and at other predominately black colleges, serenading students and spreading joy, particularly to the ladies of Howard. “We would serenade the girls outside their dorms, and they would sit in their windowsills, listening to romantic songs like “‘All the Things You Are.” It was a big hit,” Brother Robinson fondly recalled.

After graduating in 1950 with a degree in sociology, Brother Robinson embarked on a career with the District of Columbia Fire Department (DCFD). One of the first African American officers in the department, he and other black firemen faced significant racial adversity but pushed through, working their way up the ranks. “We were treated unfairly in many ways including denying us chances at promotions and good duty assignments. The white firemen got special attention and help in preparing for promotion exams, but the black firemen worked together to help each other and eventually things improved.” By 1952, Brother Robinson was promoted to Sergeant, becoming one of the first black officers in the history of the Department. He eventually was promoted to Lieutenant and was on the list for Captain, however due to many injuries sustained in the line of duty, he was medically retired in 1969. Several of his friends continued in their careers to eventually become among the first black fire chiefs in the Department’s history.

Brother Robinson’s personal life was equally fulfilling. In 1953, he married Lonise Melita Fisher, a member of Delta Sigma Theta (Beta Iota 1947) and former classmate from Dunbar High School. Together, they raised three sons: Dale, Mark (232011- Alpha Omega), and Lynn (10-2011-Alpha Omega). One of his proudest moments came in 2011 when he sponsored his two sons into the fraternity, sharing, “It was a proud moment when you two were initiated and joined me in this beautiful life of Omega. I told you to work hard for the frat and I’m glad that you both have.”

Though his professional career was cut short in 1969 due to injuries sustained in the line of duty, Brother Robinson quickly pivoted to other pursuits. He became a fire protection instructor at the Smithsonian Institution, traveling across the country to present fire safety seminars to museum staff. He served as the president of the local “Friends of the D.C. Youth Orchestra” support group. He was a founding member of the well-known “Huntsmen” social club as well as membership in both the Pigskin Club and the “Bachelor Benedicts.” Brother Robinson continued to serve the fraternity in numerous capacities, including on the Memorial and Amenities Committee, and was a beloved member of the Alpha Omega Chorus. “I’ve enjoyed watching the younger brothers go about their work for the fraternity. It let’s me know that this will continue well after brothers in my age bracket are gone.” But his special joy has been to fellowship with his fellow senior brothers. Though many have since gone on to Omega Chapter, he continues to recall many fond memories with them. “Brothers C.W. Hargrave, Harry Roberson, George Royal, Robert Howard, George McKeithen, William Ball, Bill Rumsey, Robert Stevens, Emerson Williams, Frank Patterson…” too many to remember but all have a special place in my thoughts. I will always be grateful for their brotherhood and friendship.”

Brother Robinson’s lifelong service to the fraternity was further recognized in 2020 during the virtual Rededication Ceremony, when he was honored to be selected to “stand in” for Brother Ernest Everett Just. In 2022, he was again honored during the Rededication Ceremony at Howard University when he was acknowledged as the longestserving brother in attendance at the ceremony.

In July 2021, Brother Robinson faced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife and my mother, Lonise. The couple had been a fixture at fraternity events and programs, and their bond was an enduring example of love, partnership, and “Coleman Love.” “We had many great years together, and I miss her every day. But I know that she is with the Lord, and I will hopefully join her someday,” he shared with a sense of peace and gratitude.

Despite this loss, my father continues to live a full and rich life, enjoying the company of his three sons, three daughtersin-law, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many friends including his Omega brothers. As we ended our chat, I asked him what advice he would give to brothers, including me, on our Omega journey. His message was simple: “Be kind and brotherly to one another, be patient with your brother, always love your brother despite himself, and always remember that our great fraternity is founded on

FRIENDSHIP!”

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On December 14, 2024, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. proudly presented the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award to Brother George Clinton, a towering figure in the realm of music and entertainment. This momentous occasion marked another chapter in the illustrious history of this award, created to recognize individuals who have made unparalleled contributions to their respective fields while embodying the principles of Omega Psi Phi.