A trip down nostalgia lane, as well as into the future, occurred in the Danville Area Community College Student Union on Monday (Feb 12th); when 1959 Danville High School graduate Chuckie Robinson, Sr gave a keynote address for Black History Month.
The program began with a tribute to numerous African Americans, all shown on a display table, who made incredible contributions to baseball; including Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, and Josh Gibson.
Chuckie Robinson, Sr then spoke of his days playing catcher with the Indianapolis Clowns in the old Negro Leagues, as well as his time with the Chicago White Sox organization.
But there was also plenty of recollection of what it took to make it in the working world; such as with the family business, Kag’s Barbeque. He talked about his baseball coaching days, and also his latest venture into business and baseball; where he will be leading the new hitting facility and workout center for young baseball players at True Grit Fitness; just off Georgetown Road in Tilton.
Robinson told Neuhoff media before the program began that he wants to see today’s African American youngsters attack today’s challenges.
(1st Picture) A display table set up nearby during Chuckie Robinson, Sr’s Black History Month Keynote Address at DACC shows numerous African Americans who made major contributions to baseball. (2nd Picture) Chuckie Robinson, Sr’s kids Lisa Robinson and Chuckie Robinson, Jr enjoy a moment during their father’s speech.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: Keeping the course, staying the course. We know that it’s been tough times, but it’s going to get better. And we just have to keep believing and keep working. And we’ll prevail.
Another thing mentioned during his talk was his belief to “Don’t talk about it, be about it.”
Audio PlayerAUDIO: I’m a guy like this: Don’t wait and be one of these people; “I should of, could have, or would have;” and end up procrastinating. You just have to follow your dreams, do what you love and love what you do. And continue to stay the course and finish the race.
In attendance were his kids, Lisa Robinson and Chuckie Robinson, Jr. Chuckie Jr, of course, is the father of current major league player Chuckie Robinson III, who is now also part of the White Sox organization. Chuckie, Jr says the answer is YES, his son is already in Arizona for pitchers and catchers spring training sessions with the White Sox. The proud father says, they’re simply hoping for the best for his son on his new team.
Chuckie, Sr recalled the times when his grandson Chuckie III was very young and getting a great start on his baseball development. And, in tribute to both his past and his grandson, Chuckie Robinson, Sr did deliver his keynote address wearing a White Sox cap.
