Robert Booker (politician)

Bob Booker
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the Knox 2nd district
In office 1967–1972
Preceded by	Arthur Atkin
Personal details
Born	(1935-04-14)April 14, 1935 Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
Died	February 22, 2024(2024-02-22) (aged 88) Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Residence(s)	Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
Alma mater	Knoxville College (BEd, 1962)

Robert J. Booker (April 14, 1935 – February 22, 2024) was an American historian, author, and politician. He served in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Life and career

Robert J. Booker was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 14, 1935. He grew up in the East Knoxville neighborhood known as the "Bottom" and went to Austin-East High School. He served three years in the U.S. Army and was impressed by the freedoms and absence of segregation he experienced while stationed in Europe. Following his return he graduated from Knoxville College on a G. I. Bill scholarship. Booker died on February 22, 2024, at the age of 88.

Bibliography

• Two Hundred Years of Black Culture in Knoxville, Tennessee 1791-1991
• And There was Light!; The 120 Year History of Knoxville College
• The Heat of a Red Summer; An Encyclopedia: The Experiences of Black People in Knoxville, Tennessee 1844-1974;
• From the Bottom Up