DETROIT (WXYZ) — Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are coming together to remember the life of a state representative who fought passionately for the people of Hamtramck and Detroit. Representative Isaac Robinson died yesterday at the hospital.
While never tested, his mom tells Seven Action News she suspects he had COVID-19. He went to the hospital Sunday morning because he started having trouble breathing. He died only hours later.
Seven Action News had a crew at his last press conference, called to expose the needs of the poor and working class families suffering due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
“That was his last press conference. Fighting for the people,” said State Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo of Detroit.
Rep. Gay-Dagnogo says people thought she was passionate about issues, then Representative Robinson got elected.
“This big white guy, who you forget is white because he fights like he is diehard Detroit to the core and he is yelling on the floor. They are mad at him. They want him to apologize. And he is like, I am not apologizing. I am trying to let them know what they are doing to my people,” said Rep. Gay-Dagnogo.
It earned him respect from the governor.
“Representative Robinson was a phenomenal advocate on behalf of the people of Hamtramck and Detroit. He had a big heart and a moral compass that drove all the work he did on behalf of the people he represented,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Michigan).
It earned him respect from both sides of the aisle.
Numerous Republican colleagues offered condolences, with House Speaker Lee Chatfield saying “He had a big heart, fought hard for his beliefs, and fought even harder for the people he served so honorably.”
Democrats who worked closely with him spoke about what we should do to honor him.
“We really need to make sure we are doing our best to look out for each other. That is one of the biggest things Issac stood for. Look out for our neighbors. Stay home. Check on others who are dealing with COVID 19,” said State Rep. Alex Garza (D-12th District).
“Just tell everybody stay home. Stay safe. Stay alive,” said State Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-6th District).
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