by Minnie B. Sledge

Stop a moment and listen to me.
There was a Happening in Tennessee,
On May the 22nd, Nineteen eighty-one
In Chattanooga, the deed was done.

It was a beautiful Happening
With politics laid aside--
And everyone at the gathering
Swelled with civic pride.

The occasion--A new bridge opening;
A history-making event--
Not because of the length of the span
Nor because of the money spent.

But for the man whose name was chosen
To be emblazoned on the span--
State representative Clarence B. Robinson,
A courageous, living black man.

He has served in the state legislature
Since nineteen seventy-four,
And for many enlightening acts
Has helped to open the door.

As he said in his remarks
(And others said it too)
He has bridged many a gap
That benefitted me and you.

A speech was made by Lamar Alexander
The governor of the state--
Rep. Marilyn Bougard and Sen. Ray Albright
Were also on the slate.

Chattanooga's mayor Pat Rose
Naturally was on hand--
He praised Robinson and the bridge
In a manner simply grand.

Representatives of Senators Baker and Sasser
And of the T.V.A.
County Executive Dalton Roberts
Also had something to say.

Chamber of Commerce's past prexy John Germ
Another on the dais
Cited facts of economic growth
In terms of glowing praise.

Congratulations, Clarence and Lillian,
To your high principles hold on fast--
You have disproved the old saying
That "Good guys finish last."

For that ‘good guy’ C.B. Robinson
The honor roll in history has made,
And fittingly was ‘leader of the pack’
In the bridge-crossing motorcade.

For when Paul Clark said "Start your engines"
Not a single moment was lost--
And the car carrying the Robinsons
Was the first to go across.

Mr. Robinson was justly proud
And in his forthright way
Admitted he was emotional about the bridge.
This was truly his red letter day.

And some day if wife Lillian can't find him
And he hasn't left her a line--
She just might find him standing
Under the C.B. Robinson sign.