My beloved Amelia,
Leesburg, 8-18-2007
from Helga Zepp-LaRouche
For your 96th birthday I am sending you my most loving greetings, knowing, that we will re-celebrate your birthday soon together. Both Lyn and I are with you in spirit today and always. It is truly inspiring to realize, that you have been fighting for the freedom and the beauty of human beings now well over 70 years! There are not that many people, who can be proud of having stuck to their guns, defending the same noble principles over such a long period of time! The German poet Friedrich Schiller, after whom the Schiller Institute is named, wrote once how important it was, that people still believed in their older age in the same ideas and principles they used to cherish, when they were young and idealistic. You are a fantastic example for such faithfulness, and I know, that this is one of the reasons why so many young people around the world love and admire you.
Courtesy of Leon Frazier
Presenting Mrs. Robinson with a certificate, from left to right, Mayor Johnny Ford of Tuskegee (left), Mayor James Perkins of Selma, Mrs. Robinson and her son, Bruce Boynton. |
That brings me to the point, I want to emphasize: Your role as an American heroine in the world. Because in the recent years, when you traveled with the Schiller Institute to many countries around the world, you reminded people through yourself as a person, that there is another America, the America as a true republic, the country, that used to be the temple of liberty and the beacon of hope for the whole world. And this is absolutely crucial in these times, when the reputation and the image of the United States are at an historic low point.
You have often told us the story, that when you were in danger of drowning, you didn't, because you knew, that God still had many more tasks for you to accomplish. It is like that today.
If we hopefully get through this terrible world financial crisis, which is the result of the fact, that too many people turned away from the common good in favor of their personal creed, and if America can recover its identity as a true republic, as it was conceived, then there will be still quite some healing to do. It will take some time, before the rest of the world will rediscover the trust and confidence in her, which now lie in ruins.
For this hopefully not too distant moment, we need you. You then have to travel around the world, as the ambassadress of the inalienable rights of all people, because only an extraordinary world historical individual like yourself can evoke the spirit of the real America in a credible way. So your job is big and you are needed for a very long time to come. And I am hopeful, that when we celebrate your 106th birthday, the world will be in much better shape and look more like a beautiful garden.
I can speak for the extended family of the Schiller Institute, that we love you very, very much.
From your daughter Helga, from your son Lyn and your extended Schiller family
August 21, 2007—On Saturday, Aug. 18, a Surprise Celebration was held honoring the life of Civil Rights Heroine and Schiller Institute Vice Chair Amelia Boynton Robinson. Over 300 people attended the event, including family from across the country, local and statewide officials, and two representatives of the LYM (LaRouche Youth Movement). The ceremony was held at the Booker T. Washington High School, in Tuskegee, AL.
Preceding the event a caravan of officers from the local and state police departments arrived at Mrs. Robinson's home to escort Mrs. Robinson and family, in Limo to the Ceremony. When arriving at the school, a large crowd of about 150 people stood outside awaiting her arrival. It took about 10 minutes for her to even enter the building, as the crowd instantly surrounded her, singing Negro spirituals, walking slowly with her into the building. The love that she had for her community and all human beings was expressed by their enthusiasm to show their appreciation for her life.
Leon Frazier, local activist and former candidate for Police Chief of Tuskegee, Alabama, chaired the event. The program included a chorus singing traditional Negro spiritual, several county and city resolutions and proclamations honoring Mrs. Robinson's birthday and declaring the 18th of August as Amelia B. Robinson day. A number of birthday dedications and speeches from political figures and representative were read. This included a statement from former President Jimmy Carter and Wife. Kesha Rogers read a statement on behalf of Lyn and Helga, the Schiller Institute and the International LYM.
 Courtesy of Leon Frazier
Mrs. Robinson with members of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. |
The event concluded with more spirituals and a cake cutting ceremony, after which Amelia spoke on the importance of Agape and it being the thing most needed in our society. She reminded people of the important role that falls upon the youth of society in securing a future. The LYM delegation closed with Mozart's “Hallelujah Canon.” Overall the event was quite a treat. It also provided for a great organizing opportunity. Many people approached the LYM to discuss their organizing and the role of the Schiller Institute. A gentleman with Black College Media Productions out of Atlanta interviewed Kesha after the event and got into a heated discussion with Rachel on wealth and capitalism. Another lady who teaches at a rural school where Amelia volunteered for over 10 years was moved by the cultural and scientific education of the LYM. She has been reading the material for many years and considers it to be a vital part of education.
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