Honoring The Robinsons: A Community-Led Memorial Initiative 

Clementine Robinson is the protagonist of the Minnesota Star Tribune’s podcast series “Ghost of a Chance.” The podcast chronicles the struggles faced by Clementine and her husband, Harry, as a Black couple confronting racial hostility in a segregated white neighborhood during the 1920s. 

Clementine was laid to rest in an unmarked grave in North Minneapolis in the 1960s. Spurred by the Robinsons' insprational story, several listeners of the podcast contacted the Star Tribune, expressing interest in contributing toward a headstone for her. Reporter Eric Roper and producer Melissa Townsend created a mockup for the headstone at Crystal Lake Cemetery, where Clementine is buried. Although Harry was cremated and has no known marker, the headstone will also honor his memory. (Note: The image shown is a preliminary concept and not the final version.) 

Roper assembled a small committee of community members to oversee the fundraising effort. While Clementine and Harry had no children, Eric has connected with distant relatives who support the initiative. It is hoped that some family members will be present for the installation ceremony. 

Southside Back in the Day's own co-founder Lisa Crawford, started a GoFundMe page for the Robinsons with a goal of $15,000. Funds will be managed by the Southside Back In The Day organization, which hosts an annual celebration at Phelps Park honoring the legacy of the Old Southside — an event featured in Episode 6 of "Ghost of a Chance."

The money raised will support the following:

• A headstone, which will cost approximately $3,400

• Travel/lodging for Clementine’s family to attend the headstone installation

• Some physical remembrance of the Robinsons at 38th Street and 4th Avenue, the hub of the Old Southside.

• The Southside Back in the Day Festival on Saturday, August 30, 2025.