A. Robert Phillips

A. Robert Phillips was born in Boston Massachusetts and was one of six children of the late Pearl Eaton and Ernest A. Phillips, Sr. He grew up in West Medford and Boston MA with his siblings Ernest A. Phillips, Jr., (deceased) Dorothy Boyd-Phillips, (deceased) Muriel DeLomba, (deceased) Elmer R. Phillips (deceased), and Audrey J. Phillips-Lopez (deceased). A. Robert enjoyed spending time with his family and dear friends. He leaves behind a god Daughter, Jillian Malveaux, a number of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

After a happy, creative childhood, A. Robert graduated from Roxbury Memorial High School and shortly after enlisted in the United States Army and trained as a Medical Corps Officer. After serving in the Army, he would return to Boston to peruse his education. He studied at the University of Massachusetts, UCLA and Cal State.

His experiences and pride in the Army informed the direction he would take when he returned from active service. A. Robert continued his dedication to serving his community by becoming an active member of the Urban League, a Civil Rights Activist, Educator, and Mentor. He was a community activist in the Civil Rights Movement in Boston and an avid researcher of Civil Rights History for over twenty years during the 1960s through the 1980s and was instrumental in “organizing the nation’s first parent’s group to bus children out of ghetto school districts.” As an educator, he directed Boston College’s Black Talent Program, and as a mentor, he engaged, guided, supported, and advised countless number of Black students at Boston College to ensure their success during a time when equity for Black students was challenging. Being known affectionately as the Renaissance Man he would make sure that all the Black students had representation from his office.

A. Robert was also known to love Jazz & Doo-wop, was an avid world traveler, scuba diver, great cook, great dancer and was a great patron of the Arts.

Poem written by: Dorothy Boyd-Phillips

I leave you now to go on my way to a wonderful place where we’ll be together someday. No reason at all as you can see. I’m with my  lord, Hell take care of me.

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