Robert Wilson Knox, LCSW, a graduate of New York University, served for 40 years as an administrator in the New York City Department of Social Services. He was President of the NYC Chapter of the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW) for 21 years (1985-2006) and co-founded the national organization in 1968. A passionate advocate in the Harlem community, through his association with ABSW he contributed to the development of day care centers, adoption programs, and senior citizen centers in Brooklyn as well as Harlem. He was a major architect of the Association of Black Social Workers Housing Association, which owns four buildings that provide quality housing for Harlem residents.

Since the age of 13, he was also a member of the Metropolitan Community United Methodist Church in Harlem. He served as a choir member, president of the board of trustees and in several other capacities to enhance the church and the community.