Henrico Black History Month Spotlight – Matthew James Robinson, Sr.
In honor of February as Black History Month, the Henrico Citizen will spotlight (on each weekday during the month) an important current or former Black resident of Henrico whose life has helped shape the county.
A pioneering educator, entrepreneur and civic leader whose influence helped shape Eastern Henrico County for decades, Matthew James Robinson Sr. built a legacy that bridged business success, public education and community development.
Born Aug. 13, 1898, in West Point, Virginia, Robinson was the son of Daniel S. and Roxanna Blueford Robinson. In 1900, his father founded the Imperial Broom Company in Richmond, and by the age of 12, young Robinson was already working in the family enterprise. The company would become a cornerstone of his professional life.
In 1918, Robinson married Carrie G. (or D.) Miller in Henrico County. The 1920 Census listed him as a bakery helper, but he soon returned to Imperial Broom Company, where he flourished. Over time, he rose to become chairman of the company, a title he retained until his death. In 1938, leadership of daily operations transitioned to his son, Matthew J. Robinson Jr., as the elder Robinson turned his focus increasingly toward education and civic service.
Robinson began teaching at Fair Oaks Elementary School in Henrico County and later became an industrial arts instructor at Virginia Randolph High School, where he served from 1941 until his retirement in 1964. Virginia Randolph was the first high school for Black students in Henrico County, and Robinson played an instrumental role even before stepping into the classroom — he helped secure the land on which the school was built.
His commitment to education was matched by his own academic pursuits; he studied at Chicago’s Hamilton Law School and completed graduate work at Virginia State College, Hampton Institute and West Virginia State College.
Even while teaching, Robinson remained active in business. In 1957, he founded the Matthew J. Robinson Realty Co., serving as its president until 1975. His ventures reflected both entrepreneurial vision and a desire to expand opportunities for Black families during a time of limited access to property ownership and financial advancement.
Robinson’s civic engagement was equally significant. He served as president of the Henrico chapter of the NAACP and was a member of the Henrico Democratic Committee, advocating for civil rights and broader political participation.
Perhaps his most visible legacy lies in Bungalow City, a 65-acre development he founded in 1920 off Nine Mile Road in eastern Henrico County. The community earned him the enduring nickname “Father of Bungalow City.”
Established during the era of segregation, the development provided homeownership opportunities and stability for Black residents in the Fairfield District. In 1983, a park within the community was named in his honor, a testament to the lasting impact of his work.
Matthew James Robinson Sr. died April 13, 1979. He is buried in New Bridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Henrico County. Through his leadership in business, education and community building, Robinson helped lay foundations — both literal and figurative — that continue to shape Henrico County today.
