Introduction
Avis C. Robinson, a luminary in the fields of art, environmental policy, and education, was born Avis Edna Collins on July 26, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland. Her diverse heritage—black, white, and Nottoway Indian—deeply influenced her worldview and artistic endeavors. Avis’s life was marked by a commitment to creativity, compassion, and social justice, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Early Life and Education
After her mother’s job at the NIH moved her family to Silver Spring, Maryland, Avis grew up there. She attended Colesville Elementary, White Oak Junior High, and the Academy of the Holy Cross. Avis earned a degree in economics, urban studies, and visual arts in three years at the University of Maryland. After earning a Master’s in Economics and Finance from Golden Gate University, she received one in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1988.
Education Details
| Institution | Degree | Year Completed |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland | Economics and Urban Studies | 1974 |
| Golden Gate University | Master’s in Economics and Finance | Mid-1970s |
| Harvard University | Master’s in Public Administration | 1988 |
Environmental Protection Agency career
Late 1970s Avis started working at the U.S. As EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs Deputy Director. She demonstrated her commitment to environmental stewardship and policy effect by helping create air protection policies.
Washington Metropolitan Scholars
Avis founded Washington Metropolitan Scholars in 1994, a nonprofit organization focused on providing educational support to African American high school students. Her role as President and CEO involved leading initiatives to overcome financial and systemic barriers, showcasing her unwavering commitment to educational equity.
Washington Metropolitan Scholars Impact
| Year Founded | Role | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Founder/CEO | African American Education |
Artistic Career
Avis C. Robinson was renowned for her mixed-media paintings and quilts on race, gender, oppression, and history. Her major exhibitions, including a painting of Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre, demonstrate her commitment to social critique and cultural celebration through art.
Family Life
Avis married Eugene Robinson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, in 1978. Their partnership was marked by shared values and mutual support, nurturing two sons—Aaron Eugene Robinson, a lawyer in Berkeley, California, and Lowell Edward Robinson, who maintains a private life. Avis’s family included her parents, Edward and Annie Collins, her sister Kirsten, and additional siblings whose identities remain private. Her extended family included foster brothers Harold and Donald Miles.
Family Details
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Eugene Robinson | Husband | Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist |
| Aaron Eugene Robinson | Son | Lawyer in Berkeley, CA |
| Lowell Edward Robinson | Son | Private life |
| Edward Collins | Father | Details limited |
| Annie Collins | Mother | Cancer researcher at NIH |
| Kirsten | Sister | Survived Avis |
| Harold Miles | Foster Brother | Part of extended family |
| Donald Miles | Foster Brother | Part of extended family |
Legacy and Impact
Avis C. Robinson’s legacy is firmly rooted in her work with Washington Metropolitan Scholars, her impactful art, and her contributions to environmental policy. Her life exemplified a relentless pursuit of justice, creativity, and compassion. While some family details remain private, her public achievements are widely celebrated and recognized.
FAQ
Who was Avis C. Robinson?
Avis C. Robinson was an accomplished artist, environmentalist, and educator known for her efforts in multiple fields and her dedication to social justice.
What educational assistance organisation did she find?
Avis created Washington Metropolitan Scholars to help African American students receive college scholarships.
Her role at the EPA?
As Deputy Director of the Office of Atmospheric Programs, she developed environmental policy.
Who was Avis C. Robinson married to?
Avis was married to Eugene Robinson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and commentator.
Avis C. Robinson’s art is where?
Her artwork is showcased in prestigious venues, notably including Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.
