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8THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
JASON ROBINSON
Wayne entrepreneur ’ s nonprofit promotes socialjustice WRITTENBYSHAYLAH BROWN
Growing up near an air force base in Victorville , California , Jason Robinson got to know kids from Germany , Guam and other remote locations . Robinson ’ s father got to know them , too , and made it apriority to help them thrive . ABlack male nurse during the 1970s , “ My dad was involved in a lot of different things , and the focus was on the church and community ,” says Robinson .“ Making sure the kids whose parents didn ’ t have time for them , he still had the time for them . You have to make the time .”
The example set by Robinson ’ s father led him to believe that “ You build people up from where they are at ,” and to launch Three Fifths Foundation in 2017 . The non-profit provides scholarships to organizations such as University Beyond Bars and Shoreline Community College in Washington State that help Black students pursue a career in law enforcement or criminal justice .
Robinson , a Packanack Lake resident , says that research points to a lack of access to education leading to low matriculation rates ; increasing it levels society ’ s playing field , and leads to equal treatment for all in the justice system .” What we want to do is put people in the positions of police officers , legislators , and lawyers that have similar experiences to that of the people in the community ,” he says . Here are 8things you should know about him .
1
BEING
PART OF ABIG FAMILYGAVE HIM SURVIVAL SKILLS
“ I am one of six ,” Robinson says . “ Youlearn alot . You learn how to survive in the world with so many different personalities .”
2
ATTENDING
AHISTORICALLYBLACK UNIVERSITY MADE ROBINSON FEEL EMPOWERED TO ACHIEVE HIS DREAMS
As a health care administration major at Langston University , a Historically Black University , Robinson says he was instilled with the feeling that the sky is the limit . “( HBCU ’ s ) don ’ t steer you away from what you want to do ,” Robinson says . “ Your teachers are Black physicians and lawyers , and you realize what can be . They expect everyone to be the best . They don ’ t say you ’ re lacking because you ’ re Black , they
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COURTESY OF BRANDI ROBINSON
6 HOLIDAY 2020 WAYNE MAGAZINE