Alexandria to Posthumously Honor Robert Dawkins With Memorial Statue
Dawkins founded Alexandria's African American Hall of Fame. Ceremony Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA, VA-Robert Dawkins left an indelible legacy that changed Alexandria for the better. On Saturday, Nov. 9, he will be honored posthumously with the unveiling of a statue at Charles Houston Rec Center (901 Wythe St.). A reception with his family will be held at 1 p.m. The dedication ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
Known as “Old Folks,” his 2023 obituary in the McLean Connection reported that he received the nickname as a youth for being wise “beyond his years.” The obit refers to him as a “pillar of the community,” saying he worked to make sure Alexandria’s Black trailblazers received the recognition they deserved. Though it does note Dawkins sought recognition for others, he preferred to remain out of the spotlight.
An Alexandria eNews bulletin announcing the ceremony includes a statement from his brother, the Hon. Nolan Dawkins, that reads: “He did so much to honor others and never sought recognition for himself. That was one of the core principles of his life. He was commanding yet remarkably humble at the same time.”
A prime example of this is Robert founding Alexandria’s African American Hall of Fame. The museum is home to memorials honoring Earl Lloyd, the first Black player in the NBA, civil rights activist Ferdinand T. Day, and others from Alexandria who have made a difference in American society during their lives.
Now Dawkins will have a rightful place of his own alongside these honorees. In addition to the Hall, he was instrumental in preserving the legacy of Parker-Gray High School, where he was a student. Dawkins also established the Hoop Academy, which illustrated his belief in the power of sports to inspire youth and serve as an avenue for mentorship.
Julian Haley, who was close to Dawkins and will be in attendance Saturday, said upon the 83 year old’s death that he was a mentor, father figure, and educator.
“I am a better man today because of Robert Dawkins,” Haley remarked.
The unveiling ceremony is made possible through a partnership between the Alexandria African American Hall of Fame, the Office of Historic Alexandria, and the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.
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