SYRACUSE -- The Central New York community gathered at the Oncenter in Syracuse to honor retired CNY Central news anchor Jackie Robinson Thursday night.
Robinson, fresh off being inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, was a community icon in her three decades at Channel 3. Thursday's Community Retirement Celebration was a chance for her fans to show their appreciation.
"She's definitely going to leave a legacy for years to come," Lillie Freeman-Noel, a friend of Robinson and an organizer of the event, says. "There's not one person who will pass Jackie and won't stop to recognize her and say, 'Hi Jackie!'"
Her friends say as they started planning Thursday's celebration, the support poured in, as everyone wanted to show Robinson how much she means to the Central New York community.
"My phone never stopped ringing," Jean Phillips, another friend and organizer, says. "Once we got the announcement out people continuously called, they wanted more information, they wanted to know what they could do. It's just been so exciting."
Phillips says Robinson always made sure to give back to the community, always staying humble and approachable, even with her star power. For Robinson, to see the community's support since she retired means a lot.
"Oh it's so special," Robinson says. "It's overwhelming, all of these people to come out, it's just wonderful. I don't know what to say but to say thank you, thank you for loving me, I love you right back."
