Eroseanna Robinson

Eroseanna "Sis" Robinson (1924–1976) was an African-American social worker, track star, activist and member of the Peacemakers who organized for desegregation and against the U.S. military in the 1950s and 1960s.[1] In particular, she was an advocate of nonviolent resistance strategies. Robinson went on hunger strike or risked violence and arrest multiple times, but nonetheless won various victories for equality.

In addition to her activism, Robinson was a successful track runner. These two interests collided when she was chosen to represent the United States in a track meet against Russia and refused to participate because she felt she was being used as a "political pawn" by appearing alongside white athletes, giving the international community the false impression that white and black people were treated equally inside of the United States.[2]

  1. ^ Riegle, Rosalie (2013). Crossing the Line. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books. p. 32.
    • "Trio Ends Hunger Strike in Eatery Bias Case". Jet Magazine. 1961-10-12.
    • "Tax Protest Turns to Jail Hunger Strike". The Chicago Tribune. 1960-01-29.
  2. ^ Wilson, Edmund (1963). Cold War and the Income Tax: A Protest. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. p. 52.