John Robinson, Sr.
Champion for Families, Literacy, and Youth Development
Since 2003, John Robinson Sr. has been the driving force behind the Family Support, Education, and Youth Development Department at the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL). With an unshakable passion for empowering communities, John has transformed HAUL’s programs into a nationally recognized model of success. Under his leadership, more than 94% of participating youth have proudly graduated from high school and gone on to pursue college, serve in our nation’s military, or launch directly into thriving careers.
A proud 1976 graduate of Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, John has built a reputation for innovation and impact. He designed and led the HAUL Family and Community Engagement Literacy Program, equipping parents and caregivers with the skills to nurture early literacy at home. Since its inception, this groundbreaking program has trained and inspired more than 70,000 parents and caregivers, creating a ripple effect of reading, learning, and achievement across Greater Houston and beyond.
John’s influence extends far past Houston. He is a national award-winning educator, consultant, trainer, and keynote speaker for Scholastic, Inc., where he is recognized as one of the nation’s leading voices in literacy solutions. As a master facilitator of Read and Rise Family Conversations, John has earned distinction as one of the country’s top experts in engaging families and communities around early literacy.
With unmatched expertise, contagious enthusiasm, and a lifelong dedication to equity and education, John Robinson Sr. continues to shape brighter futures—one child, one family, and one community at a time.