The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comforts and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. This quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is exemplified by the actions of one Virginia Union University alumni who decided, rather than standing up for what he believed in, he would walk.

Ernest Joseph Robinson, a former active Marine, who attended Virginia Union while in the reserves, graduated with honors in 2011. Robinson took part in several extracurricular activities during his tenure at Virginia Union University, which included football, track, Student Government Association, and Student Integrity & Conduct, to name a few. In addition to the previously mentioned activities, Robinson was also inducted into Alpha Psi Sigma National Honors Society for Criminal Justice, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Following the 2010 football season, Robinson entering the National Football League draft, but went unselected, rather than dwelling on the disappointment, Robinson looked at the silver lining. "It was unfortunate for my own personal reasons, but it gave me an opportunity to further my education".

Entering the New Year, Robinson took the term journeyman to an entirely different altitude. The young man decided to travel from Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia to the Zeta Chapter plot of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., on the campus of Virginia Union University. What makes this travel so exceptional is the fact that Robinson decided to complete this journey on foot. He began his excursion at dawn, Monday January 20^th, coincidentally the birthday of Civil Rights Pioneer Martin Luther King Jr., and finished just after 7pm Wednesday February 5^th.

Amassing a colossal distance of 532 miles, Robinson completed his pilgrimage over the course of 17 days, compiling roughly 31 miles per day. He explained "The 500 miles were more of a metaphor related to life. Life is not a destination but a journey, and along that journey you're going to have people who are going to stop in your life and help you along the way, but you have to be willing and humble enough to accept that help".

Armed with a tent, knapsack, and warm clothes, Robinson spent several nights camped out in the woods, with a hand powered generator as his only means to produce enough electricity to partially power his cell phone. Walking mostly in the day light, as a precautionary measure, Robinson wanted to be able to both, see and be seen as he chartered unfamiliar territories.

When asked why this expedition was necessary, Robinson expressed, "It was really a call to action, I started observing a lot of things within our community where people were not stepping up and making that level of sacrifice. Everything from the George Zimmerman trial, to the Government shut down, and different parts of our public education being cut. I figured there was an opportunity for me to shed some light on programs that were working in certain areas of the country and highlight areas that need some more work. I really want to get people involved and more aware in holding our elected officials accountable. When I look back on those of the 50s and 60s, they were audacious, with their purpose and with their efforts, and I don't see a lot of that happening anymore. I can't ask anybody to do what I'm not willing to do, so I willfully sacrificed my time, professionally and paternally to make a stand".

Robinson, now 31, currently works at the YMCA Potomac Overlook Branch, making headlines for their "Darkness to Light" Program which helps rape and molestation victims confront the traumatic events from their past. The YMCA helps and partners with schools, daycares, community organizations, faith groups and more to educate and empower community members in order to keep children safe, which is ultimately what drew Robinson toward accepting the position.

In his spare time Robinson works on his own company entitled B-ERNEST. The name serves as a double entendre being Ernest, himself, as well as being "earnest" an adjective defined as being serious in intention, purpose, or efforts, as well as showing depth and sincerity of feeling. Furthermore, "B-ERNEST" is an acronym meaning Be Educated Resilient Noble Empowered Strategic and Tenacious.

The goal is to create activist out of the younger generation, so that they know how to utilize their voice, and understand the power of words. I'm hoping people get inspired to become elected official within their communities and understand that those are tangible positions, and that they can actually doo this".

Robinson is an inspiration if nothing else. He has proven to be one that will make the sacrifice for the good of the common goal. This journey was neither for his personal benefit nor for the attention of public, social, or printed media. Robinson embodies his fraternal principals of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift, which can be credited for taking part in the man he is today.

In order to create a better tomorrow "develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens, and know that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation" - Brian Tracy.