Anthony Wayne Robinson

Anthony Wayne Robinson, the son of Charles Calvin and Eva Mae Warfield was born on Thursday, December 11, 1948, in Clarksville, Tennessee. In 1957, his parentage was expanded to include his stepmother, Mary “Aunt Mary” Elizabeth Robinson. All his parents loved him beyond measure, but his maternal grandmother, Vertis Warfield, was convinced no one could ever love him more than her. They were all committed to him becoming a well-educated man, rooted in faith, who would devote his life to enriching the lives of others. Their homes were filled with joy, laughter, and lively conversations around dining room tables every Sunday and on religious holidays as they shared facts and opinions about religion, politics, sports, cultural arts, music, and current events. Educated in Baltimore and Clarksville Public Schools, after graduating from Burt High School he returned to Baltimore to attend Morgan State College. In 1970 he earned bachelor’s degrees in government and political science. In 1972 he earned a Juris Doctor degree from American University Washington College of Law. Throughout his life his church membership, first at Bethel AME Church, and later as a charter member of The Empowerment Temple AME Church, also served as a source of education. The knowledge he gained from his parents and these combined institutions were pivotal in honing his professional and leadership acumen. While at Bethel, Anthony served in several organizations, most notably as the chair of the Bishop Henry McNeal Turner Society, a social/political action committee that focused on civil and human rights; racism in the United States and South Africa; the pursuit of educational and economic equality, as well as voting rights and participation. With the unwavering support of his then pastor, The Reverend Dr. John R. Bryant, and her members, Bethel became hub of Baltimore’s Anti-Apartheid Movement for South Africa. Years later, Anthony would advise international business organizations, including the African National Congress, Tanzania’s DOT, Zimbabwe’s Indigenous Business Organization, and Brazil’s supplier diversity program, Integrare. While at The Empowerment Temple he provided legal counsel and initiated minority business opportunities for the church, her members, as well as residents of Baltimore City, and the State of Maryland. He also co-founded The Economic Empowerment Coalition (TEEC) with his father, Charles Robinson, and the church’s founder, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant. Through TEEC, they launched the Solomon School of Success, offering business training and development programs to support local entrepreneurs. After earning his JD, Anthony served as Associate Legal Counsel at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington, D.C. from 1972 to 1975. In the latter year, he co-founded the law firm Singleton, Dashiell & Robinson in downtown Baltimore. Anthony litigated all civil rights and discrimination cases. His advocacy led to his appointment as Commissioner, and later Chairman, of the Maryland Inmate Grievance Commission from 1976 to 1982. In 1980 his former college professor and mentor, Maryland’s first African American elected to serve in the United States Congress, Parren J. Mitchell, established the Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund (MBELDEF). In 1983, at his urging Anthony became the president of this esteemed organization. His dedication to advancing, developing, defending and promoting equal justice and procurement opportunities for multicultural men and women was unparalleled. During his tenure as president, MBELDEF, filed amicus briefs on behalf of minority owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the landmark cases of City of Richmond (VA) vs J.A. Croson Company, and Adarand Constructors, Inc. vs Pena, before the United States Supreme Court. Anthony and MBELDEF participated in numerous other foundational cases before the US Supreme Court and lower courts. From the onset of his tenure at MBELDEF Anthony would provide comprehensive leadership and representation on behalf of Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises including litigation, testimony before legislative bodies, legal guidance and technical assistance to local, state and federal agencies. Anthony testified before Congress numerous times on minority business issues involving various federal agencies. He was a wise counselor to many presidential administrations and members of Congress. He mobilized the public and private sectors to address public policy issues affecting minority enterprises and Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the United States. He authored several articles, abstracts, and synopses that were published in various books, legal journals and other publications. His renown was international. His mentorship and caring for young lawyers and upcoming entrepreneurs were exemplary and profound. His collaboration was extensive. His partnerships were inclusive of people of all ethnicities and genders. His vocation was his passion. His partnerships and consultations were enduring, impactful and immeasurable. He also was the owner of his own business. Anthony spoke so compassionately about MBELDEF when his daughter was three years old, she would tell everyone her daddy was “the President of Black People.” As a result of his tireless work Anthony received numerous awards throughout his career. There are no words to describe the pride his son and daughter had when they witnessed their dad’s induction into the Minority Business Hall of Fame, and was named a recipient of the Vanguard for Justice Award. Anthony’s work for MBELDEF extended over forty years. On the day of his passing, he remained a member of MBELDEF’s Board of Directors. Anthony married Yvonne Davis on August 30, 1980. They became the parents of the most important people in his life, their two children Charles Anthony and Camille Anӓis Robinson; and grandchildren Sydney Monroe Robinson and Cayden Dean Edwards. He was also a surrogate father/grandfather to his great-niece Tia Nicole Coleman and her children Zolan and Zuri Jackson. He was the godfather of Joseph Campher, Nia Johnson, Jamal Bradley, Ntokozo Ngcobo, and Simeon Wharton. He is also survived by his nephew Tai Coleman, great-nephew Tai Harrell, and too many cousins and close friends to name. In recent years, Anthony shared a loving relationship with Karen Artis Brown. He was preceded in death by his: mothers, grandparents, sister Charlotte Gail Robinson-Coleman, brother DeWayne Robinson, and nephew Tony DeWayne Coleman. We will all miss his smile and laughter. We will all miss his presence. We will forever carry him in our hearts.

Tributes

Anthony Wayne Robinson

December 11, 1948 - July 29, 2025