Heir Of Wisdom
Judge Robert R. Rigsby
October 14, 2016
Name: The Honorable Robert R. Rigsby
City: Washington D.C.
Occupation: District of Columbia Superior Court Judge
Who is your greatest role model?
I have a lot of role models, but I would really like to highlight four influential people: my father, mother, wife and Filmore Graham. My father taught me the value of hard work and instilled his work ethic in me. He only had a third grade education, but for his family he valued education above all else. As a career Army man, he gave his finest years in service to his country and taught me powerful lessons about public service that I applied to my own life. Like my father, my mother was also focused on service to the community. She gave us a spiritual foundation that was rooted in love for each other and acts of service. My wife, Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby is equally committed to service. With a powerful resolve, she has supported our family, our community and me unconditionally. When I was deployed to Iraq, despite her loving concern, she said, “This is how we serve.” Outside of my family, Filmore Graham was an essential person in me being who I am today. A Nuclear Engineer from North Carolina, He started the Continental Boys Club in Vallejo California. Running the club with his own money, he placed me around intelligent men who taught me how to learn. He said we could be “anything we set our minds too, if we were dumb enough to believe it.” That club produced Bernard Tyson, CC Sabathia, and Gregory Allen Howard. He served our community and motivated me to be involved in service through my fraternity Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and the DC Law Camp. Each of these people played a large role in who I am and where I am today.
What is the best piece of wisdom that you received? Who said it?
Make an impact and not an impression. An impact can come and go an impression wont. Make an impression and you’ll be blessed forever – Roger M. Rigsby
What is your greatest achievement?
My Greatest Achievement was marrying my wife Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and being the father of my son, Julian. He is brilliant, selfless and loving.
What is something you overcame to get there?
I was diagnosed with a rare condition and told by doctors that I was definitely was never going to walk again and potentially that I was going to die. My wife had the same face that she had when I was told that I was going to war. It is hard to keep faith when the experts continue to tell you these disheartening outcomes. I kept the faith however, and God gave me the courage to say I’m going to walk and I’m going to live.
What is your favorite family heirloom? What does it mean?
My office is covered with pictures of my family and I cherish those the most because my family means everything to me. Additionally, I remember by childhood with the 1141 address lock of where I grew up at 1141 lousiana street in Vallejo California..
How would you describe your style?
I would say Fun and adventurous. No one has ever asked my about my personal style. I have to be serious when necessary but most of all I like to have fun and do new things.
How do you use your Solomon Chancellor piece?
I don’t leave home without it. It holds the things I need and has already accompanied me on several business trips. It is excited to get compliments wherever I go and tell people the story of how I got it.
