Gilbert and his wife Elwayne formed their family from the various strands of their lives. To his union with Elwayne, Gilbert brought with him a daughter from his first marriage, Evangeline. The couple then adopted their son JaJa (right) and had another son, Kenyatta (left), together. Though different in temperament and interests, the brothers were often dressed alike and did not know they were not biologically related until late childhood. According to their son Kenyatta, Robert and Elwayne Gilbert nurtured a supportive family environment.