In this compelling Oral History, Rob Robinson shares his transformative journey from being a student-athlete to experiencing homelessness, and ultimately becoming a prominent voice in housing justice advocacy in New York City and beyond. The conversation begins with Rob’s upbringing in Freeport, Long Island, where he and his family faced challenges stemming from redlining and school district discrimination. Despite these obstacles, Rob became an honor roll student and earned an athletic scholarship to study business in Restaurant Hotel Management in Maryland. After graduating, he moved to New York City's Lower East Side.
Rob discusses his career shift from the restaurant industry to an Information Technology job in Miami, Florida, and the life-changing experience of being let go after four months, which led to homelessness in both Miami and New York City. It was during this period of struggle that Rob began studying gentrification and connected with the grassroots organization Picture the Homeless, marking the start of his organizing work.
The interview offers a deep exploration of Rob’s evolution as a housing justice advocate, beginning with his belief in the importance of sharing personal stories to dispel the myth that homelessness is a personal failing, rather than a systemic issue. He reflects on his early experiences with Picture the Homeless, including a transformative trip to Hungary in 2009, where he realized the power of storytelling in the fight for housing rights.
Rob also recounts his first meeting with renowned geographer Neil Smith at Columbia University, describing how their relationship influenced his activism. A key moment occurred during a conference at The New School, where Rob challenged academics to engage more directly with community education and to uphold Smith’s legacy.
His activism expanded through his involvement with "Take Back the Land," a group focused on relocating families evicted during the foreclosure crisis. He discusses his collaboration with the Brazilian group MAB and the importance of Community Land Trusts in reclaiming land for marginalized communities. Rob highlights significant victories, such as preventing the eviction of Catherine Lennon in Rochester, NY, and reflects on the challenges of increased public attention that led him to step back from Picture the Homeless.
The interview touches on Rob’s collaboration with Kali Akuno and Max Remo to establish a national Take Back the Land network, their work with the Occupy Movement, and the increasing adoption of the Community Land Trust model. He also shares insights from a reading group centered on Henri Lefebvre’s "Right to the City" and the intellectual growth that took place within the Brecht Forum.
As the discussion progresses, Rob addresses the tensions and divisions within housing justice groups and his decision to take a more international approach to advocacy. He explains his current work with the Cooper Square Community Land Trust, where he focuses on implementing popular political education. Rob emphasizes the immense responsibility of creating a Community Land Trust, underscoring the need for resilience, selflessness, and dedication.