Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alberta Robinson Foster Richie |
| Birth Date | January 27, 1917 |
| Birthplace | Tuskegee, Alabama |
| Occupation | Teacher; School Principal |
| Education | Campus schools at Tuskegee Institute |
| Spouse | Lionel Brockman Richie Sr. |
| Children | Lionel Richie; Deborah Richie |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; likely modest |
| Death | January 2001 |
| Known For | Pioneering educator; mother of Lionel Richie |
Early Life and Family Background
Her parents were prominent in campus life at Tuskegee Institute, where Alberta R. Richie was born. She grew up on the institute campus with academics, professionals, and cultural activities during Jim Crow. Her childhood shaped her lifelong love of learning, community service, and the arts.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alberta Robinson Foster |
| Birth Date | January 27, 1917 |
| Birthplace | Tuskegee, Alabama |
| Parents | Albert Davidson Foster; Adelaide Mary Brown Foster |
| Grandfather | Collaborated with Booker T. Washington |
| Education | Attended campus schools at Tuskegee Institute |
| Musical Influence | Exposed to piano through her mother, a trained pianist |
| Siblings | Volenderver Dixson |
| Community Role | Active in campus cultural and civic events |
| Childhood Home | Family residence on Tuskegee Institute grounds |
Education and Career
Alberta committed to teaching and school leadership at Tuskegee Institute, breaking down obstacles for African American women in the mid-20th century. Her roles included shaping courses, organizing outreach, and mentoring generations of students. Her leadership during segregation maintained great education and inspired community recognition.
| Position | Institution | Era |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher | Tuskegee Institute | 1940s–1950s |
| School Principal | Tuskegee Institute | 1950s–1960s |
| Focus Areas | Curriculum development; student mentorship | Mid‑century |
| Teaching Philosophy | Empowerment through education | Continuous |
| Community Engagement | Organized outreach programs | Various years |
| Awards | Local recognition awards | Multiple years |
| Retirement | Retired from active duty | Late 1960s |
Personal Life and Family
U.S. Tuskegee Airman Lionel Brockman Richie Sr. married Alberta. Army systems analyst, forging a service-education collaboration. Their two children were reared with academic rigor, creative expression, and musical gatherings. The Richie family protected its children from racism and encouraged resilience and art.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Lionel Brockman Richie Sr. |
| Marriage | Until his death in 1990 |
| Children | Lionel Richie; Deborah Richie |
| Household Values | Emphasis on education, resilience, and artistic growth |
| Residence | Tuskegee, Alabama |
| Religion | Christian faith |
| Hobbies | Piano playing; gardening |
| Philanthropy | Supported local educational and cultural initiatives |
Legacy and Impact
Professional and family accomplishments highlight Alberta R. Richie’s legacy. She helped improve her neighborhood and Tuskegee’s academic programs during segregation as an educator. Regional history honors her as an education and family leader whose beliefs influenced her son’s global significance.
| Legacy Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Education | Mentored Black students through challenging times |
| Community | Strengthened Tuskegee educational programs |
| Family | Inspired Lionel Richie’s musical success and philanthropy |
| Role Model | Pioneered leadership for African American women |
| Community Memory | Honored at Tuskegee alumni events and local commemorations |
| Cultural Impact | Influenced narratives on segregated‑era education |
| Recognition | Featured in regional historical exhibits |
| In Memoriam | Annual campus remembrance ceremonies |
FAQ
Who was Alberta R. Richie?
Alberta R. Richie, mother of musician Lionel Richie, was a committed Tuskegee Institute teacher and principal.
What was her profession?
She shaped segregated Alabama education as a teacher and principal.
Who was she married to?
U.S. Tuskegee Airman Lionel Brockman Richie Sr. was her husband. Army systems analyst.
How is she related to Lionel Richie?
Internationally known singer and composer Lionel Richie was her son.
What is known about her net worth?
Because of her longtime job in education, her net worth is unknown but presumably small.
When did she die?
Alberta R. Richie died January 2001.
How did she affect her son?
Lionel Richie’s artistic development was influenced by her loving, music-infused surroundings.
