"Pressing Forward:" Civil rights activist Dr. Press Robinson Pens Memoir

This candid memoir details Dr. Press Robinson's journey through a challenging upbringing in South Carolina, academic success in earning a doctorate, and an extensive career in education and social justice. "Dr. Press Robinson is a civil rights veteran with more than 50 years of organizing to amplify Black political voices across the American South," said Phillip Norman, oral historian of Grassroots Democracy. Robinson is a graduate of Morehouse College and Howard University with a doctorate in physical chemistry and physics. He is a former chemistry professor at Southern University and A&M College and chancellor of Southern University New Orleans. However, in 1980, he distinguished himself as the first Black American elected to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, after filing a federal lawsuit to alter the at-large ward system and establish three, majority-Black districts. He served on the board from 1980 to 2002 and held its presidency for three terms. Robinson's steadfast advocacy for racial equity was significant as the board sought to align the school system with federal desegregation laws.

· He is known for his ongoing work to enhance the social and educational landscape of Baton Rouge. Even this year, at the age of 86, he continued his fight for equal representation as the lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging the Louisiana Legislature's 2022 redistricting map for electing the state's six members of the United States House of Representatives. It resulted in a second majority-Black district. "Pressing Forward is a clarion call to all who concern themselves with the work of racial justice and democratic resilience,” said Norman, oral historian of Grassroots Democracy The East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library will host a special event celebrating Press L. Robinson Sr.'s new memoir, "Pressing Forward: My Life as a Baton Rouge Community Pioneer." On Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Robinson will read excerpts from his book and engage in a Q&A session in the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd in Baton Rouge. Light refreshments will be served. The book signing event is presented by the Middleburg Institute in collaboration with Quality Workforce Solutions, Blackwellness One, Follow Dreams Productions, The Baton Rouge Weekly Press, and Jozef Syndicate