Oral Histories

In 1969, 32 year old Henry Robinson was elected as the first African American member of Town Council in Port Royal, SC.  Eight years later, Mr. Robinson was elected as the first African American Mayor of the Town of Port Royal, a position he held for 18 years. In the video series below, Mr. Robinson recalls his life as a citizen and public servant in Port Royal, SC.

 

Interviewer: Pamela Courtney
Videographer: Paul Keyserling

Port Royal Mayor Henry Robinson (seated) and future Mayor Sam Murray

1. Early Life

2.  Political Beginnings

3. Shrimping, Crabbing, PR Railroad

4. Paris Avenue, PR Waterways

5. Grocery Shopping, Shrimp by the Bucket

6. Port Royal Annexation

7. Mayoral Years and Advice

8. Recognition and Wisdom