Fraser C Robinson III was the father of former First Lady Michelle Obama, and a man who influenced her greatly with his work ethic, resilience, and love for his family. He was born on August 1, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, and worked as a pump operator at the city water plant for more than 30 years. He also served as a Democratic precinct captain, helping to mobilize voters and support local candidates.
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Living with Multiple Sclerosis
Fraser Robinson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a chronic and unpredictable disease that affects the central nervous system, when he was in his 30s. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, some of the symptoms of MS include mobility and walking issues, numbness, fatigue, vision problems, and speech difficulties. Despite his condition, Fraser Robinson never complained or gave up on his responsibilities. He continued to work at the water plant, using crutches and later a wheelchair, and to participate in civic and political activities. He also remained a devoted husband to his wife Marian, and a supportive father to his two children, Michelle and Craig.
Passing Away at 55
Fraser Robinson passed away on March 6, 1991, at the age of 55, from complications related to his MS. His death was a devastating loss for his family, especially for his daughter Michelle, who was 26 years old at the time and engaged to Barack Obama. In her memoir, Becoming, Michelle Obama wrote about the grief she felt after losing her father: “It hurts to live after someone has died. It just does. … Food tastes like nothing. Colours go flat. Music hurts, and so do memories. Grief is so lonely this way.”
Leaving a Legacy of Strength and Pride
Fraser Robinson’s memory and legacy have been a source of inspiration and motivation for Michelle Obama throughout her life and career. She has often spoken about how her father taught her to work hard, laugh often, and keep her word. She has also credited him for instilling in her a sense of pride and confidence in her identity as a Black woman. In a 2021 Instagram post, she shared a rare family photo of herself with her parents and wrote: “The older I get, the more I appreciate how much my dad sacrificed and struggled so that I could have the opportunities he never dreamed of for himself. He was my first example of what it means to be a loving, respectful, devoted partner. He showed me that it’s okay to express emotions and be vulnerable. And he taught me how to be a good citizen and lead with honesty and integrity.”
Fraser Robinson III was a remarkable man who lived a life of courage and dignity in spite of his MS. He was a loving father who shaped the character and values of one of the most influential women in the world. His story deserves to be told and celebrated.
