HARLINGEN — Local resident Essie Morris pulled out an old black and white photo and pointed to the two children standing in front of a bridge.
It was the old FloydCreekBridge in Harris County, North Carolina.
But earlier this month, that bridge, now larger, received a new name — one in which makes Essie beam with pride.
The bridge now is known as the MiltonB.RobinsonJr.Bridge, in honor of Essie’s father.
Robinson’s service to his country and region involved creating the first black newspaper in western North Carolina, becoming a pastor and by teaching masonry to high school students.
In 2012 the Rutherford County Commission sent a petition to the North Carolina Department of Transportation asking for the bridge to be dedicated to and named the MiltonB.RobinsonBridge.
Signs on U.S. Highway 221 going both directions make the naming official following a dedication ceremony earlier this month which drew dozens to honor Robinson, who was born in 1913.
“It’s beautiful,” Essie said of the honor for her father.
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