The Houston Sun family and all of Houston has lost an icon and a beacon of light that gave us laughter, hope and a path when there seemed to be roadblocks on April 30,2013 when second generation Publisher and poet, Lonal X. Robinson passed away at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX.
Robinson’s 33 years of life was one of work and giving to those who needed a helping hand. Born June 24, 1979 in Champaign, Illinois, Robinson is the second son and third child of Lonal and Dorris Jean Ellis Robinson. When Lonal X. was three years- old, he and family moved to Houston, TX where Robinson was taught to love his community. As he matured he exhibited a strong sense of pride and fondness of his community; he did whatever he could to uplift Third Ward.
“Lonal was a fiery spirit, but at the core of his being was a love for his family and his community,” said Troy Thomas, a business associate. “He was a brother with a big heart who only wanted to give and receive love from the streets to the suites. I appreciate all the love and respect he showed by helping me and my son.”
Lonal X. attended Ruby L. Thompson Elementary, James D. Ryan Middle School and Jack Yates High School in the Third Ward community and college at Langston University in Langston, OK. After his time at university, Robinson returned to Houston to make his mark at his family company, The Houston Sun. He took business seriously and added a digital and youthful approach that has given the paper a unique quality that sets them apart from any other publication in the city of Houston.
Robinson is an accomplished poet, playwright, writer, philanthropist and visionary who offered so much of himself to others. He had a knack for humor and had a sharp wit that could make someone stop and think just to keep the banter going. Lonal X. provided the opportunity for the next generation of writers, musicians, artist and entrepreneurs to showcase their talent through The Houston Sun. Once he noticed talent he tried to help bring forth the fruition of success for them in any way he could, Robinson truly believed in forward thinking and he was going to be the man to bring it forth.
“Lonal was a man whose passion was to connect African- American business owners with each other,” said Christopher Allen. “He encouraged entrepreneurs like myself to continue to build and shape our community with my talents. I’ll always be grateful for that inspiration.”
One of Robinson’s signature lines was, “What are you doing in the community?” The community was important to him and if you were not working to improve it your business was not wanted. Lonal X. worked within Emancipation Park to help beautify Third Ward and mentor the children that frequent the park. Countless events and programs, Robinson has masterminded and worked within to make them a success as a team player. Time and time again he would seek to find ways to help others without compensation. He offered the idea for The Houston Sun to adopt Emancipation Park and present back-to-school rallies and talent shows for the children. His wish was that through performance they could prepare themselves for a better life.
“Lonal has been an inspiration to me for years. His resilience is uncanny to most. His heart was warm and welcoming and his spirit will forever live on through me as well as all of the lives that he has touched along the way,” said Lanora “Onney” Laws.
Lonal X. led a good life. He led a successful life. Even as a younger man growing into adulthood he met achievement as he wrote an award winning play in high school called “CHANGE” for the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women Lullelia W. Harrison Youth group. He took his production to the South Central District and to the National Convention and won 1st place in New York City It is the only first place award the Houston League’s youth group has earned in its 30-year-history. Robinson has also earned the 4-H Club Spirit Award, National Council of Negro Women, Million Men March Award, Houston Sun Beacon of Light: Men of Valor Award. During his years in college, Lonal X. made a road map for others when he started the Langston University Theatre and Drama Club providing the students the opportunity to perform and travel. He also was a leader for library technology upgrades. He became a missionary while at Langston as well as he traveled across the country during mission work with United Methodist Church.
“He was and still is my best friend, my mentor,” said Keiundra Jackson. “He inspired me and many to believe in helping the next without looking for a return.”
As second generation publisher, Robinson poured his heart into his work. He was passionate about The Houston Sun and everything he did was to bring success to his company and family. He started Houston Sun Presents, adding legendary visionary projects, a program whereby the company offered services and programs to the community such as the recent First Amendment and Law Symposium for high school and college journalism students, and the Spoken Word and talent shows. His commitment was strong and his love for the product was immeasurable.
Lonal X. was a businessman in all respects, but he was also a family man who loved his mother, father, sisters and brother with all his heart. He was an uncle who took pride in his nephews and niece. Family was a driving force in all that he did and he put nothing above them. Lonal’s father passed a year in March of 2012 and it was a heavy spot on his heart yet he worked without ceasing by his mother’s side in his honor.
“He was very protective and loving. Lonal was true to himself in however he felt at the time and passionate on both ends of the spectrum,” said Dorcaus Robinson, his younger sister. “He loved his family dearly and was very exclusive with them. He respected the women in his family and believed we were beautiful and intelligent.”
Lonal X. joined his father, Lonal Robinson in death. Also welcoming him is his material grandparents, Ethel Lee Hoover Ellis and Joe Davis Ellis and paternal grandparents Bessie Gee Robinson and Alex Robinson. He is survived by his mother, Dorris Ellis Robinson, brother, Sirrod Robinson (Sophia) of Houston, TX; two sisters Shuronda Robinson, Austin, TX; and Dorcaus Robinson, Scottsdale, AZ; four nephews: Adisa Jones, Alex Parks, and Jordan Parks, Austin, TX and Marcaus Nickles of Scottsdale, AZ; and one niece, Sarai Robinson, (Seble Wobshet, mother) Houston, TX; and two step nieces: Jameca McDaniel and Aryelle Williams (Sophia Robinson, mother).
Robinson passed away after a month hospital stay following a ten-year bought of compounding illnesses. Donations in his honor can be sent to The Houston Sun Education Foundation and Friends of Emancipation Park.
Robinson completed a book of poetry, Pieces of Me and Poetry for all Seasons; that is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2003.
-Myra Griffin