The Return of the Black College Club In honor of Mrs. Brenda Robinson
As the Black College Club returns, we want to honor the memory of Mrs. Robinson for being the cofounder. Her legacy will never be forgotten!
By Tabitha Ervin
Editorial Director
Kevin Howell and Mrs. Brenda Robinson, former Executive Director at the Old Fort YMCA created the Black College Club around 1997 to expose and support the understanding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) for young people in the Fort Wayne community. In addition to participation in the Club activities, students attended a Black College Tour hosted by the club for spring break annually. The group would meet at the Old Fort YMCA monthly and there was an advisory board that helped create the structure which consisted of workshops and programs such as financial literacy and understanding financial aid, dress for success, interview skills and filling out college applications among various other topics. This long-standing program exposed many Fort Wayne students to a variety of black colleges over the years and some students attended HBCUs as a result of their experience in the program. The last tour was in 2016 and now with the leadership of Michelle King and LaDon Moore, the Black College Club has returned.
In speaking with Michelle, the group has returned with the purpose to restore this great program in our community. Many young people in Fort Wayne participated and were exposed to Black Colleges over the years. The current group has some new things in the works that King was not able to reveal yet but wants us to keep our eyes out for announcements from the group. They have started already for this year but students are welcome to join anytime! They meet monthly at the Urban League. The group plans to take a small number of students on a college tour for spring break 2023 and they are still working out the specifics on which colleges will be a part of the tour. The tour will be 4 days instead of a week and the information will be released soon.
The current advisory board is comprised of Michelle and Malik King along with LaDon Moore, Patrice Gates and Natasha Nicoles who are leading the workshops and working on fundraising for the 2023 college tour. The group is seeking community support and Michelle can be contacted at michelle.king0408@gmail.com for fundraising and donor opportunities plus more info!
In honor and tribute to Mrs. Brenda Robinson, along with this story, we wanted to add a few small tributes from just a few to honor her. Her legacy is immeasurable and the lives she touched are countless. Many prayers and blessings to her family and all who knew her.
Jamila Robinson Evans - Daughter “Life is 10 percent
circumstance and 90 percent attitude.”
“Treat all people with dignity and respect.”
Jabar Robinson - Son: “Do your very best. After that victory and defeat are in the hands of God.”
Taylor Robinson - Oldest Grandchild: She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26
Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Those who love with their heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.
Your spirit is something that will never be forgotten. On the days we miss you most, it will be a contagious smile and the grace of your heart that we will remember.
Never a goodbye, but until next time.
Rest in Paradise.
Like you always, Love you forever.
Your loving granddaughter,
Tabitha Ervin - District Executive Director YMCA: Mrs. Brenda was the hiring manager along with Ebony Conley of the Southeast YMCA when I applied to be a program director at the Y in 2007. I had applied to work at both Ys as the Sports, Wellness and Aquatics Director. I started with both ladies as my supervisors and spent lots of time supporting programs at both branches. Mrs. Brenda loved the community and those we served and she taught me valuable lessons and the rich history of the Old Fort Y and its programs. As she retired, we stayed in contact. I appreciated her support and mentorship and I am forever grateful for the enormous impact she had on the Fort Wayne community. I am proud to be a part of her great legacy!
Anita Dortch - Friend, Jack n Jill Associate: Brenda has been a strong and influential force in our community. She WAS the OLD FORT YMCA! Brenda made sure programs at the Y were beneficial to our Black families, especially our youth. Her creative programs and events developed character, encouraged educational opportunities, and instilled a sense of pride in all youth who participated.
Brenda was not only a DEVOTED wife to Marion, a PROUD Momma to Jabar and Jamila, but a SUPER woman who loved and wrapped our youth in her arms.
Brenda Robinson, our Jack and Jill mom will always be remembered.
Delois Stiles - Friend, Jack n Jill Associate: The Fort Wayne community is grateful for her journalistic contributions through Frost Newspaper. Her devotion to the development of youngsters along with her leadership at the Old Fort Y and bringing Wilma Rudolph to the city.
Thanks Brenda!
Stephanie Burton - Former BCC member: Learning that the BCC is being revived is very exciting. It’s because of this club, and the hard work and dedication of its founding leaders, Mr. Kevin Howell and Mrs. Brenda Robinson, among others, that I had my formal introduction to my alma mater, Fisk University. I hope a new generation of students from Fort Wayne get to know the magic of the HBCUs by way of the BCC experience.
Marty Pastura- Former YMCA CEO: Brenda was a perfect fit as the Executive Director of the Old Fort YMCA because she exemplified the mission of the YMCA. She put Christian Principles into practice as she loved, cared for and served all who came to the YMCA. Brenda and the YMCA worked very hard on the southeast side of our community before it became popular to do so. She was the Mother Teresa of the Southeast side for our community for many years. She loved all, especially the children and was always kind, humble and considerate of others. Brenda wanted to make sure every child had an opportunity to succeed.
Michelle King- Current BCC leader: Mrs. Robinson was a little giant. She was diligent, compassionate, and a mom to many people (young and old). I remember whenever I called their home back in the day Mrs. Robinson always had a voicemail message whether it be a poem or a riddle or an African proverb that would make you think. I pray that God gives me the endurance to be the community leader, mom, and compassionate woman that Mrs. Robinson was. We love you. You will truly and dearly be missed.
