The Robertson Family: Portrait of a Post-civil War African American Family, Challenges and Vision 1860s–present

As a grandson he received great inspiration in seeing the visionary impact of his grandfather. As a family member he has had a unique view and witnessed many of the experiences, challenges and successes of the family. He utilized the background of strength, vigilance and opportunity of his grandfather to chart his own course in life. He learned that even coming from humble beginnings as a family surviving slavery, reconstruction, Jim Crow and the Separate but Equal Era, with determination, hard-work, perseverance and persistence it is possible for a family to rise and gain respectability and be a contributory force in society and to some degree live the American dream. He recognizes the societal challenges of this era for an African-American Family, such as racism and discrimination, but values the role that education has played in leveling the playing field and has contributed to the successes experienced by the Robertson Family.