Riverside's Finest

“With a lifetime of praise, awards, and accolades, Dell professed, “Every award I receive, I’m always surprised because I love all of it.” The kind and genuine concern about his community is noted by everyone that encounters him”

Adrian “Dell” Roberts

WORDS: ELIZABETH SCHWARTZE PHOTO: ZACH CORDNER

Adrian “Dell” Roberts has dedicated his life in service to the City of Riverside. The impact of his life’s efforts can never truly be quantified, but his legacy will live on in the generational change he enacted by the simple act of caring! Dell cares for the Riverside community, especially its youth as a legendary youth advocate and community icon. He made a lifelong investment in his community, and as Riverside’s Finest—no truer title can be bestowed. Dell was born in Houston, Texas, 3rd Ward in 1936. He spent his youth traversing Oklahoma and Texas with his mother, and grandmother. He moved to Riverside in 1945, when his beloved mother Aline Roberts got married. “My mother taught me everything—to respect and love all people, and help if you can.” He remembered that Riverside “looked like heaven” when he arrived with its openspace and fruit trees everywhere. He attended Longfellow Elementary, University Heights Junior High, and graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High School in 1955, where he lettered in swimming, football, and track. During high school, he started working at Butcher Boy’s Food, where he remembered delivering meat to the original McDonald’s on E Street! He then soon received an associate’s degree from Riverside Community College. Dell met and married his first wife, Lula, and they had three sons together: Dell, Glen, and Craig. Dell had to support his young family when his wife became ill from cancer, and succumbed to the disease in 1981. For several years, he worked four jobs: Butcher Boy, football coach, campus security, and then parks and recreation—a work day that started at 4am, and ended at 10pm. A work ethic he credits his mother for teaching him. In 1960, Dell began his 38-year career with Riverside Unified School District as football coach. He went on to be the campus supervisor, and assistant principal in charge of discipline at his alma mater—Poly High School from 1965-1989. From 1989 until his retirement in 2003, he was assistant administrator in charge of discipline and campus security. His profound impact and dedication to Riverside’s youth is immeasurable. He’s proud to say, “All kids in Riverside belong to me. All races!” Beginning in 1968, Dell founded the Black Students Union at local high schools. He created a Multicultural Council at Poly High, the Riverside Black History Committee in 1979, and the Black History Parade in 1980. One of his career highlights was hosting world-famous boxer Muhammad Ali on May 31, 1977, where Ali delivered his stay-in-school and healthy lifestyle message to Riverside high schools. Dell met his wife of 31 years, Carmen, when she volunteered on the Black History Committee, of which she still remains President today. Dell said Carmen is “The wind beneath my wings.” As a power couple, Dell and Carmen continued to invest in the youth of Riverside, and started the Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation. One of their proudest achievements began in 2001 when they created the Empowering Young Women Conference. They also sponsor an annual backpack giveaway, and oversee the Black History Parade and Expo— California’s longest-running black history parade. Dell never truly retired. He continues his passions, helping the youth through various programs. “A lot of what I do is prompted by children. I like to see children having good, clean fun,” he emphasized. For fun, he still participates in a car club he started back in 1956, Coche’r Car Club, showing off his 1969 Chevelle, or his 1947 Chevy Pickup. Dell and Carmen can still be found at various events where community members enjoy taking the opportunity to thank them for making an impact. With a lifetime of praise, awards, and accolades, Dell professed, “Every award I receive, I’m always surprised because I love all of it.” The kind and genuine concern about his community is noted by everyone that encounters him. Recently, Dell was named the winner of the 2022 Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award. Dell will be honored on May 19, 2022, with a ceremony and dinner hosted at Riverside’s own Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. With the heart of a young man and the eloquence of an old soul, Dell Roberts will remain one of Riverside’s Finest for generations!