40 Facts About Robert Peace

Early Life and Family

Robert Peace's early years were shaped by both love and hardship. His family played a crucial role in his development, despite the challenges they faced.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on June 25, 1980, in Orange, New Jersey, Robert grew up in a tough neighborhood near Newark. His mother, Jackie Peace, and grandparents raised him.

2. Father's Incarceration: At age seven, Robert's father, Robert Douglas, was arrested for an alleged murder and imprisoned. This event deeply affected Robert's sense of identity.

3. Mother's Sacrifices: Jackie Peace worked tirelessly in school and hospital cafeterias to provide Robert with a quality education, sending him to St. Benedict's Preparatory School.

Academic Excellence

Despite his challenging upbringing, Robert Peace excelled academically, showcasing his intelligence and determination.

4. Academic Excellence: At St. Benedict's, Robert maintained a 4.0 GPA, captained the swimming and water polo teams, and led the student body. He received the Presidential Award upon graduation.

5. Private School Sponsorship: Charles Cawley, a bank executive, noticed Robert's talents and sponsored him to attend Yale University, offering a full ride.

6. Yale University: At Yale, Robert majored in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. He also co-captained the club water polo team and worked in a cancer and infectious disease lab.

Dual Life at Yale

Robert's time at Yale was marked by a dual existence, balancing academic pursuits with other activities.

7. Roommate and Friend: Jeff Hobbs, an English major, was one of Robert's roommates at Yale. Hobbs later wrote a biography about Robert's life.

8. Dual Life: While at Yale, Robert worked as a dishwasher in the dining hall and sold marijuana to classmates, reflecting the complexities of his life.

9. Graduation: Robert graduated with honors in 2002, a testament to his hard work and intelligence despite personal challenges.

Post-Graduation and Teaching Career

After Yale, Robert returned to his roots, dedicating himself to teaching and community improvement.

10. Teaching Career: Robert taught biology and coached water polo at his high school alma mater in Newark for five years, winning a Teacher of the Year award.

11. Father's Legal Case: Throughout his college years and teaching career, Robert remained involved in his father's legal case, believing his father was wrongfully convicted.

12. Father's Death: At 26, Robert's father died of brain cancer in prison, a significant blow to Robert, who had maintained a close relationship with him.

Career Changes and Ventures

Robert's career took several turns as he sought new opportunities and ways to give back to his community.

13. Career Change: After his father's death, Robert worked at Newark Liberty International Airport, using employee flight benefits to travel extensively.

14. Real Estate Venture: Robert initiated a real estate project to renovate abandoned homes in his neighborhood, aiming to improve his community.

15. Graduate School Applications: In his late 20s, Robert applied to graduate programs while continuing to sell marijuana on a small scale.

Tragic End and Legacy

Robert Peace's life ended tragically, but his legacy continues to inspire and educate.

16. Murder: At 30, Robert was murdered in a drug-related shooting during a home invasion, shocking his friends, family, and community.

17. Community Impact: Despite his tragic end, Robert was remembered for his intelligence, kindness, and dedication to improving lives around him.

Biography and Recognition

Jeff Hobbs' biography of Robert Peace brought his story to a wider audience, earning critical acclaim.

18. Biography by Jeff Hobbs: "The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace" offers a detailed account of Robert's life, from childhood to his untimely death.

19. Named Best Book: The biography was named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times Book Review, Entertainment Weekly, and others.

20. Amazon Best Book: The book was an Amazon Best Book of the Month in September 2014, praised for its meticulous and heartfelt narrative.

21. New York Times Bestseller: The biography became a New York Times bestseller, reflecting its impact and relevance.

22. People Magazine Review: People magazine described the book as "nuanced and shattering," capturing the complexities of Robert's life.

23. The Washington Post Review: The Washington Post called the book "fresh, compelling," highlighting its emotional depth and intellectual rigor.

24. Entertainment Weekly Review: Entertainment Weekly described it as "a haunting American tragedy for our times," underscoring its relevance to contemporary issues.

25. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Review: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette praised the book for its empathetic narrative, revealing Robert's singular experience and charisma.

26. Publishers Weekly Review: Publishers Weekly gave the book a starred review, noting Hobbs' ability to avoid fatalism and sociology while revealing Robert's path to disaster.

Personal Reflections and Broader Impact

Robert's story resonates with many, offering insights into broader societal issues and personal struggles.

27. Tyler's Recommendation: Tyler Carter, an intern at Engage, recommended the book for its compelling portrayal of Robert's double life.

28. Tyler's Personal Connection: Tyler Carter connected with the book through her mother's recommendation, adding depth to her understanding of Robert's challenges.

29. Mazm Hussain's Perspective: Mazm Hussain highlighted Robert's natural genius and the societal issues that contributed to his downfall.

30. Post-Industrial Context: Hussain emphasized that Robert's life was a modern fairytale ending in tragedy, reflecting broader societal issues.

31. Psychological Support: Hussain noted the importance of community and role models in guiding individuals towards success.

32. Identity Crisis: Robert never felt like he fit in at Yale, contributing to his struggles in college and later life.

33. Community Ties: Despite his academic achievements, Robert felt at home among his childhood friends from Newark.

34. Menial Work and Crime: Over time, Robert transitioned to a life of menial work and small-time criminality, common among young men from Newark.

35. Tragic End: By the time of his murder, Robert's Yale education was just a curious detail in his obituary.

36. Empathy and Judgment: Hussain emphasized the importance of not judging individuals too harshly, recognizing Robert's complex nature.

37. Role Models and Support: Many smart and capable individuals like Robert lack role models and support systems, making it easy to go adrift.

38. Community Impact Continued: Despite his tragic end, Robert's life had a lasting impact on his community, inspiring others to strive for excellence.

39. Personal Reflections: The biography offers readers an opportunity to reflect on broader societal issues and the challenges faced by individuals like Robert.

40. Legacy and Impact: Robert Peace's story highlights the complexities of the American dream and the challenges faced by marginalized communities, continuing to inspire and educate.

The Legacy of Robert Peace

Robert Peace's life was a mix of brilliance and hardship. Born in Orange, New Jersey, he faced early challenges, including his father's incarceration. Despite these obstacles, he excelled academically, earning a full ride to Yale University. At Yale, he majored in molecular biophysics and biochemistry, but also led a dual life, working in the dining hall and selling marijuana.

After graduating with honors, Robert returned to Newark to teach and coach, winning a Teacher of the Year award. However, his father's death and ongoing struggles led him back to a life involving small-time criminality. Tragically, Robert was murdered at 30 in a drug-related shooting.

His story, detailed in Jeff Hobbs' biography, "The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace," serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of the American dream and the importance of community support. Robert's legacy continues to inspire and educate.