PA’s First Black Mayor Getting Memorialized In Yardley

YARDLEY, PA — A permanent memorial honoring the legacy of Edward R. Robinson, who became Yardley's — and Pennsylvania's — first elected African American mayor has been approved by Yardley Borough Council.

The council voted unanimously on Tuesday to officially name the pavilion at Buttonwood Park the Mayor Edward E. Robinson Memorial Pavilion.

The permanent tribute honors Mayor Edward E. Robinson, a lifelong Yardley resident, dedicated public servant, World War II veteran, and Pennsylvania’s first African American mayor.

Robinson was elected mayor of Yardley Borough in 1977 and served his community for 12 years.

The proposal was initiated and presented by Shirley Lee Corsey, executive director of the Gather Place museum.

“This is more than the naming of a pavilion — it is the preservation of an important chapter of Yardley Borough, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and American history,” said Corsey. “Mayor Robinson’s life demonstrated leadership, service, dignity, and devotion to his hometown. This permanent tribute ensures that his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

NEXT STEP: PHASE II

Gather Place will now lead the fundraising campaign to design, create, and install the permanent memorial signage at the Mayor Edward E. Robinson Memorial Pavilion in Buttonwood Park.

Individuals, businesses, organizations, and community partners are invited to contribute to the campaign or become involved.

ABOUT GATHER PLACE

Gather Place “The Bucks County Community Space!” is a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization headquartered in the historic African Methodist Episcopal Church of Yardley at 188 South Canal Street.

Since 2022, Gather Place has preserved history, celebrated culture, and fostered community engagement by bringing overlooked stories off the walls and into the hearts and minds of Bucks County communities.

For additional information, contact info@gatherplace.org or call 215-595-2722.

(Gather Place)