Growing Up In Manchester

Name: Rev and Gram Robinson
Rev. James J. and Dr. Betty Robinson
Title: The History of Manchester Youth Development Center
Interviewers: Samantha Banks, Dennis Boyce, LaVontai Brown, and Brittany Humphries

Summary: Reverend James J. Robinson and his wife, Dr. Betty Robinson came to Manchester in 1962 to be the pastor of Bidwell Presbyterian Church. They bought a large historic house on the corner of Pennsylvania and Manhattan in 1967. The Robinsons were Civil Rights activists in Manchester and greater Pittsburgh fighting for better housing, fair employment, and better schools. The Robinsons started an after-school program at the MYDC in 1968 that combined music, art, dance, athletics and academics. Their dream was to provide a place for Manchester's children to grow up and have the skills to take their rightful place in society. Rev and Gram founded the Manchester Academic Charter School in 1998 and continue to play an active role in the lives of Manchester children.