RIVERSIDE, CA — For more than eight decades, Adrian “Dell” Roberts has called Riverside, California home. Now, the city that he has spent a lifetime serving has made sure his legacy will forever be part of its history.
The City of Riverside officially proclaimed August 25, 2026, as Dell Roberts Day, celebrating Roberts’ 90th birthday and recognizing his decades of service as an educator, mentor, youth advocate and community leader. The milestone celebration was featured by ABC7 Los Angeles, which highlighted the impact Roberts has made on generations of Riverside residents.
Roberts moved to Riverside when he was just nine years old and has remained deeply connected to the community ever since. During the ceremony, he reflected on the 81 years he has spent in the city and expressed his enduring love for the place he has long called home.
“I love the city. I love the school system,” Roberts told those gathered for the celebration, adding that while no community is perfect, he remains proud to be a part of Riverside.
The Riverside City Council Chambers was filled with family members, friends, former students, elected officials and community leaders who came together to honor Roberts. Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson formally proclaimed the day in his honor, recognizing a lifetime of service that has touched education, recreation, civil rights, youth development and civic engagement throughout the city.
Roberts spent decades working with young people, including a 38-year career with the Riverside Unified School District. His roles over the years have included educator, coach and assistant principal. He also helped establish the Black Student Union at Riverside Polytechnic High School and continued mentoring young people and supporting families long after retiring from the school district.
His commitment to Riverside extends far beyond the classroom. Roberts has served as president of the Bordwell Park Advisory Board and has played an instrumental role in the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation alongside his wife, Carmen Roberts. He has also been a driving force behind Riverside’s annual Black History Parade, which has become a longstanding community tradition.
The recognition drew honors from leaders and organizations throughout the region, including the Riverside Branch of the NAACP, California State Senator Sabrina Cervantes, State Assemblymember Corey Jackson and Riverside County Supervisor Jose Medina. Speakers reflected not only on Roberts’ accomplishments, but also on the personal influence he has had on generations of educators, elected officials and community advocates.
Medina, who met Roberts more than 30 years ago while working as a new teacher at Riverside Polytechnic High School, described just how closely Roberts’ story is connected to the community he has served.
“The history of Riverside and the history of Dell Roberts are so much interwoven,” Medina said during the celebration.
For Roberts, however, the celebration was about more than titles and accolades. Surrounded by the people whose lives he has influenced, he expressed gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged his wife, Carmen, who has worked alongside him throughout much of his community service.
The celebration served as an opportunity for Riverside to honor a leader whose impact can be seen throughout its schools, neighborhoods, youth programs and community institutions.
And while Roberts celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by those who love and respect him, Riverside gave him something that will extend well beyond the milestone.
Every August 25 will now carry his name.
