Eastside High School graduate writes book that helps women deal with trauma and abuse

A 1979 Eastside High School graduate has written a book to help people heal from traumas and overcome struggles in life.

Yvette "Debra" Myers Robinson will host a book signing of her book titled “Doll Baby” from 3-7 p.m. Saturday at the Holiday Inn at 3370 SW 42nd St.

“The Lord gave me the name of the book,” Robinson said. “The name dropped in my spirit.”

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Robinson, 61, was born in Gainesville and raised in the Sugarhill community in southeast Gainesville. She earned an associate’s degree in media communications in 2021 and a certificate in creative writing this year, both from Full Sail University in Winter Park.

“Doll Baby” is an autobiography that chronicles the traumas and abuse Robinson faced as a child and how she persevered and triumphed over those obstacles.

Overcoming abuse and trauma

Robinson said she was molested and raped happened between the ages of 5 though 11 by a family member.

“I went through molestation, rape and abuse as a child,” Robinson said. “After going through so much growing up and doing things I shouldn’t have done — being in the wrong crowd, it was pressed upon my heart to let other women know that they can survive through anything.”

Robinson is a mother to Antonio Jones, Quentina Robinson Gardner and Quatin F. Robinson Jr. The mother of three had her first child, Antonio, at the age of 16 years. As the wife of a military husband, Quatin Robinson Sr., for 38 years, she has lived in Germany, Washington and Texas.

She retired in 2018 after working for the federal government for 28 years. Robinson is also a grandmother to nine grandchildren.

She became an actress and is also a radio personality at internet radio station SoulNet WKDH in Gainesville where her show airs every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

“I’ve always wanted to be a radio host,” Robinson said. “I will always see a music box growing up and would be enthused by it. I also love acting. Growing up, I would watch ‘I Love Lucy.’ It was so inspiring to me.”

Robinson said it is never too late to chase your dream.

“It was important to me that I took care of my children first,” Robinson said. “I have three successful and very educated children. I thank God for my kids, I really do. When I wanted to start acting, I kept trying and trying until I was picked up to be a background actress.”

Since then, she became an actress and played in independent films called MAMA Jones and EX-Factor. Robinson is also a motivational speaker and a licensed evangelist.

“I encourage people, especially women,” Robinson said. “It is important to know your worth. I am confident in who I am regardless of how people see me. I want people to be inspired. You can get through anything in life when you keep it moving. I don’t allow people to define my journey.”

Overcoming hardship

Although Robinson has been through hardships in her life, she said she has made peace with what she has been through.

“I want people to know that I’m in a good place,” Robinson said. “I love my family. I have God in my heart. There is no confusion and no grudges. This is what I experienced.”

Antonio Jones, one of Robinson’s son, said he is proud of his mother’s accomplishments.

“My mom is my everything,” Jones said. “She taught me perseverance and not to settle for average. We turned out better than what people thought we were going to be.”

Kathy Washington, 61, is a good friend of Robinson's. She said she is proud of Robinson for sharing her story which may help readers going through similar situations

“I love the fact that she is exploring that avenue,” Washington said. “She is really dedicated to her writing and theater. I’m happy for her. It can help people along the way.”

“Doll Baby” can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble selling at $14.99 for paperback and $9.99 for Kindle.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: 1979 Gainesville EHS grad to host book signing from 3-7 p.m. on Nov. 26