Claude A. Robinson, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, PA. To overcome the challenges of inner-city life, he attended Northwestern Military Naval Academy in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where he excelled as a student-athlete and leader. He went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, where he was also co-captain of the 1989-1990 NCAA Division III men’s basketball championship team. Claude furthered his education by earning a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Chicago State University.
Claude's passion for sports evolved into a deep commitment to serving youth, demonstrated through his roles as an AAU basketball coach for The Athlete Within Basketball School and Kenwood Academy High School. He also established the North Lawndale Athletic and Recreation Association, dedicated to advancing equity for youth from underinvested communities in Chicago.
For 28 years, Claude served as the Executive Vice President of External Affairs & Diversity at UCAN, earning numerous accolades, including awards from former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Miss Illinois Leadership Award 2001, Crain’s Chicago Business “Notable DEI Executive,” Chicago Cubs Nike City Connect Champion, Chicago Community Trust Donald Stewart Fellowship, and Chicago Defender Men of Excellence. He even led a U.S. delegation on a “Best Practice” exchange to the United Kingdom assisting policy-makers and community leaders on positive youth development and violence prevention strategies.
Today, Claude is the Founder & President of Onyx Strategic Partners, LLC, where he connects the dots and delivers excellence for a robust clientele. Onyx Strategic Partners specializes in government and community affairs, DEI, project management, and organizational program design, offering organizations professional advice, strategic guidance, and actionable solutions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Claude serves on the Board of Directors for the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity and the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission. He is affiliated with numerous organizations, including the Chicago Community Development Advisory Council, Business Leadership Council, United Church of Christ Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, Chicago Committee on Urban Opportunity, Latino Policy Forum, Advocate Bethany Fund, Trinity United Church of Christ, and Leadership Greater Chicago. Claude is actively involved in various recreational, political, and community outreach projects and has presented to diverse audiences nationwide.
Claude is also a devoted family man, proud husband to Heather Ireland Robinson, and father to their three beautiful children, Dorian, Damani, and Devin.
