Robert also known as "Billy Bob," has a remarkable and multifaceted background. Here's a summary of key points about him:
Educational Achievements:
- Grew up in Bailey’s Crossroads, VA.
- Graduated from Luther Jackson High School in Merrifield, VA, in 1960.
- Achieved the distinction of being the first Black person from Northern Virginia to graduate from Harvard University in 1965.
Legal Career and Civil Rights Involvement:
- Established and maintained the first Black-owned law office in Fairfax County, Virginia.
- Worked with SNCC (The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) during summers while in college and law school, focusing on civil rights issues in Mississippi and Alabama.
- Worked as an Interviewer with the Civil Rights Documentation Project (CRDP), conducting 125 taped interviews across the U.S. from 1968 through 1971.
Civic Engagement:
- Active leader and organizer in Bailey’s Crossroads and Fairfax County civic affairs since the late 1960s.
- Elected to the Fairfax County Planning Commission for a term in the 1980s.
- Served as Vice-President of the Fairfax County-Wide Black Civic Association for two decades.
- Played a role in the Springdale Civic Association as Vice-President for many years.
- Contributed to the establishment of the "Social Seniors," the first predominantly Black Senior Citizens group, and the Bailey’s Community Center.
Involvement with Black American Register of Bailey’s Crossroads:
- Original Board Director and Organizer of the Black American Register of Bailey’s Crossroads.
- Continues to serve as a director, providing legal and organizational counsel.
- Assisted in preparing and perfecting the organization’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.
- Available to contribute to interviewing and Black History programs.
Professional Career:
- Works as a full-time Tax and Business Consultant.
Personal Interests:
- Engages in keeping up with current events.
- Follows Professional and College Sports.
- Collects Famous Quotations.
- Enjoys reading and writing.
Overall, Robert's life has been marked by significant achievements in education, law, civil rights, and community service. His dedication to preserving Black history and contributing to civic life is evident in his extensive involvement in various organizations and initiatives.