Perry Ray Robinson Jr., known as Ray, was 35 when he was last known to have contact in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, on April 1, 1973. NamUs describes him as a Black/African American male, 6 feet 2 inches, about 200 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and a beard. He had traveled from Bogue Chitto, Alabama, to join the American Indian Movement at Wounded Knee during the 71-day 1973 occupation.

Reports say he never returned home. The FBI told his family in 2014 that he had been killed at Wounded Knee and buried in an unknown grave, but his remains have never been recovered. His wife, Cheryl Buswell-Robinson, and their three children have been left without final answers, and family and advocates have sought permission for culturally sensitive searches of possible burial areas on the Pine Ridge Reservation using methods such as cadaver dogs or ground-penetrating radar.

Robinson’s disappearance remains tied to the larger history of the Wounded Knee occupation and its aftermath. If anyone knew Ray, his movements at Wounded Knee, or has information about possible burial locations, please come forward.