Frances Robinson interview, 2021-12-08
Content Description
Oral history interviews recorded by students in the Real World History class at Center for Inspired Teaching.
Dates
- Creation: 2021-12-08
Creator
- Robinson, Frances, 1951- (Person)
- McAloon, Eamonn (Person)
Language of Materials
English
Biographical / Historical
Mrs. Frances Robinson was born April 5, 1951, in Huntingdon, Tennessee. One of nine children, Mrs. Robinson grew up with five brothers and four sisters. Throughout her upbringing, her parents worked as sharecroppers. In 1968, Mrs. Robinson moved to Washington, D.C., to help provide childcare for her eldest sister’s first child. Once in D.C., Mrs. Robinson began studying accounting at Benjamin Franklin University School of Accounting (later absorbed by George Washington University) and earned a bachelor’s degree. Mrs. Robinson met her husband while attending Benjamin Franklin University. Mrs. Robinson worked as an accountant for the Department of Education for 43 years before retiring in 2015. Mrs. Robinson has two children, born in 1981 and 1986, and three grandchildren, and she now lives in Prince George’s County. Now some of Frances Robinson’s hobbies include jigsaw puzzles, diamond painting, cooking, and exercise to stay busy during COVID.
Extent
From the Collection: 27.1 Gigabytes (DIG_0029)
From the Collection: 228 Files (DIG_0029)
Abstract
In this interview, Mrs. Frances Robinson, a long-time D.C. resident, discusses her life and experiences moving from Huntingdon, Tennessee, to Washington, D.C., in 1968. Mrs. Robinson discusses her upbringing and family life in Huntingdon, her family’s work as sharecroppers, and race relations in Huntingdon during her early life. She also talks about her move to D.C. in 1968 to provide childcare for her sister, the transition to city life, pursuing an education in Washington, and her 43-year career in the federal government.
Repository Details
Part of the The People's Archive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library Repository