MyCom Monday Hi-Five Johnny Robinson Jr.

“Being named to Who’s Who in Black Cleveland is an honor. It has made me realize that the work I‘m doing is extremely important and is making a huge difference. It has given me the extra motivation to develop myself as a leader and really dig deep to find my purpose and my why.”

Mr. Robinson is Vice President of Programs at Friendly Inn Settlement, Inc., the longest-continuing settlement house in the United States serving the Fairfax and Central Cleveland communities. Friendly Inn was founded by Women’s Christian Temperance Union members to serve the mostly immigrant residents of poor neighborhoods. Today, it provides an early childhood center, out-of-school tutoring and activities, a food bank, and other individual and family support programs. Robinson has been with the organization in a number of roles since 2015.

“This recognition also makes me realize that it is time for me to do more,” Robinson said, “It motivates me to continue to develop myself as a leader so that I can continue to serve my community to the best of my ability.”

Robinson points to the youth he serves as inspiration to fulfill The Friendly Inn’s mission to improve the quality of life by cultivating, planting and nurturing individuals, families, and communities to participate in the world economy.

“Being a positive role model and someone the youths can depend on is what keeps me going.” he said, “Being a resource for the youth and exposing them to different opportunities they might not normally get is my reason for community leadership.”

Robinson also recognizes the need for positive male role models in society.

“Growing up I knew how important having a male figure was to me, so I know the difference that it will make in a young person’s life. It’s important to be someone that they can look up to that is doing the right thing, someone they can depend on, and someone who is going to hold them accountable.”

Moving forward, Robinson is currently enrolled in a leadership development program to continue to raise his bar. In collaboration with that training, he envisions creating a youth council in the Central neighborhood to discuss things that are happening in the community.

“During their meetings, they will discuss what is going good in the neighborhood and what is not going so good, any issues they are having, safety concerns, violence issues, and more,” Robinson said. “These groups will serve as the voice for their peers.”