David Robinson
David B. Robinson
About
David Robinson was a noted journalist at the Detroit News, United Press International (UPI), the Agenda magazine, and The Black Press Review. After the historic election of the late Mayor Harold Washington, Robinson was recruited by the legendary Commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Economic Development, Rob Meir, to help explore innovative community workforce and micro-business development systems.
His groundbreaking work in community-based recycling resulted in an appointment as the city’s first Recycling Coordinator, where he pioneered state-of-the-art municipal recycling, environmental and solid waste management systems nationwide. After serving under four mayors, Robinson co-founded SpherePR group, a full-service public affairs and communications firm in Chicago where he guided scores of political, corporate, and industrial media and public outreach campaigns. During his years at Sphere, Robinson worked closely with the People Programme to help link African-American journalists, educators, elected officials, and policy experts to international affairs.
Years later, he returned to his community development roots, teaming with the late Henry L. English as the Communications Director/Sr. Program Officer of the Black United Fund of Illinois. While there, Robinson played a leading role in designing and implementing numerous initiatives including the Safe Passage School Safety program now in use citywide by the Chicago Public School system; the Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program which prepared community members for careers in the construction trades; several social entrepreneur business models; and a service and outreach-driven violence abatement program that top brass from the Chicago Police credited with reducing violent crime in the target area by 33 percent. Robinson now applies his political and communications savvy to help Manufacturing Renaissance reach its ambitious program expansion and partnership development goals. Manufacturing Renaissance uses an internationally acclaimed, advanced skills training program to help high school students and adult learners earn industry recognized certifications, allowing them to immediately enter the workforce and earn an average salary of $70,000 including benefits. The organization, with Robinson’s strategic guidance, aims to create public and media demand to urge for dramatically increased investment in linking the public educational infrastructure with 21st Century manufacturing, which will lead to improved economic conditions in communities of need, reduce violence, and help local manufacturers remain globally competitive.
Mr. Robinson is a proud Morehouse College man. He is also a certified TV studio producer and he hosted talk radio shows on public affairs in Philadelphia and Chicago. He edited Black and White Works: The First 50 Years, a history of the Groove Phi Groove social fellowship by Walter M. Perkins. Robinson is also a frequent public speaker having recently presented at Morehouse College, the City of Birmingham, Alabama, and Dominican University in Chicago. Robinson tries to stay in shape practicing martial arts, golfing, and coaching little league baseball. . He also writes children’s stories, film scripts, and short stories. Robinson has received numerous awards and accolades including the 2004 Pennsylvania Governor’s excellence award, the 2011 Passing the Torch Award, and the 2012 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award.[1]
Black Press Institute
In 1987 David Robinson was on the Staff as Assoc. Editor of the Black Press Review of the Black Press Institute[2].