James Roebuck diplomas and memorabilia

Content Description

This collection contains the University of Virginia diplomas and memorabilia of James Randolph Roebuck, Jr. (1945-2024), politician and UVA alumnus. The collection contains Roebuck’s two University of Virginia diplomas, a printed copy of a 2019 article commemorating fifty years since his History in 1969 and a Doctor of Philosophy in History in 1977. In 1969, while a student at the University of Virginia, Roebuck became the first Black member of the Student Council. Following his matriculation from the University of Virginia, Roebuck worked as an assistant professor of history at Drexel University. In 1985, Roebuck was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 188th district. He was subsequently reelected 17 times, serving until 2020. In the House, Roebuck served as the Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee and as a member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. He died on May 16, 2024.

Acquisition Type

Gift

Provenance

Gift of Gideon Adegbile, 18 November 2025.

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

No

Use Restrictions

This collection contains some in-copyright material. Visit our Permissions and Publishing page for more information about use of Special Collections materials. The library can provide copyright information upon request, but users are responsible for making their own determination about lawful use of collections materials.