N.C. A&T Awards Human Rights Medal to Robinson at 65th Sit-In Anniversary Event

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Jan. 31, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University honored N.C. Sen. Gladys A. Robinson today with the 2025 Human Rights Medal, the university’s highest honor for contributions to civil rights, civil liberties and/or human rights, in conjunction with its celebration of the 65th anniversary of the historic A&T Four sit-in.

Chancellor James R. Martin II presented the medal to Robinson during a celebration breakfast at the Alumni-Foundation Event Center on the N.C. A&T campus. Sponsored by the A&T Office of Engagement and Outreach, the February One 65th Anniversary observance theme was “Perseverance: The Power of an Ageless Revolution.”

The Human Rights Medal honors freshmen Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond Jr., who stood up for equality by sitting down at Woolworth’s whites-only lunch counter in downtown Greensboro on Feb. 1, 1960, and refused to leave until they were served. This year, the F.W. Woolworth Building, site of the sit-in, was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.

“I am moved and humbled to receive this year’s Human Rights Medal,” Robinson said in accepting the medal. “I have dedicated my life’s work to advocating for those without a voice, breaking down barriers and opening doors of opportunity to underserved and marginalized communities. I am able to do that thanks to the courage and vision of the A&T Four and many other human rights leaders who came before me. I am proud to uphold their legacy of service and pay it forward to future generations.”

Robinson, of Greensboro, North Carolina, is a retired community health executive with expertise in aging, health and education. She served for 35 years as executive director of Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, which provides minority health services for sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS prevention/outreach, diabetes screening and infant mortality prevention.

Robinson was first elected to the state Senate in 2010 representing District 28, Greensboro/Guilford County, and is serving her eighth term. Her leadership in advocating for Medicaid expansion has provided life-saving care to thousands of North Carolinians, a testament to her commitment to addressing health disparities.

In education, Robinson has vigorously advocated for equitable access, particularly for underserved communities. Her tenure on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors exemplifies her dedication to creating opportunities through education. Her work has ensured that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including A&T, receive the funding and recognition they deserve.

Robinson has served on numerous committees during her tenure, including the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, Legislative Ethics Committee, Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, Revenue Laws Study Committee, Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid, among others.

Robinson has chaired the Democratic Senate Caucus and served as deputy minority leader. She was director of the North Carolina/South Carolina National Black Caucus of State Legislators and chaired the 2019-20 Guilford County Legislative Delegation. She co-founded and co-chairs the HBCU Bipartisan/Bicameral Caucus and often consults with HBCUs on their collaboration with the legislature. Additionally, she chaired the N.C. Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and was vice chair of the N.C. Legislative Black Caucus. She is immediate past chair of the Bennett College Board of Trustees. 

Former Gov. Roy Cooper appointed Robinson to the Southern Region Education Board and the N.C. Commission on the Governance of Public Universities. She also serves on the State Health Coordinating Committee, N.C. Minority Health Advisory Board, and the Governor’s Sickle Cell Council. From being named NAACP Woman of the Year to receiving the Defenders of Justice Award for Legislative & Administrative Advocacy, her accolades underscore the breadth of her influence in civil rights, healthcare and education.

“We are fortunate to have a staunch advocate and dedicated public servant in Sen. Robinson who places the welfare of our citizens in Greensboro and the surrounding county at the forefront of her agenda,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Tonya Smith-Jackson. “Her longstanding dedication to addressing health disparities, increasing access to quality education and legislative service and advocacy have profoundly improved the wellbeing of our citizens across North Carolina and beyond. She is most deserving of this recognition and we are extremely grateful for her service.”

Robinson is an active member of Providence Baptist Church, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Grandiflora Chapter of Links, Inc., National Council of Negro Women, N.C. Public School Forum, Guilford County Democratic Party, Democratic Women of Guilford County, Children and Families First of Guilford Board, and NAACP.

Robinson holds an undergraduate degree from Bennett College and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from A&T. She served on the advisory committee to develop the doctorate program in interdisciplinary leadership studies and has been an adjunct professor at A&T.

Robinson was married to the late Ladison Robinson with whom she shares two daughters, Ladisa Onyiliogwu and Davida Robinson, both HBCU graduates. She also has a son-in-law and three grandchildren.