Black History Month | riversideca.gov
Published: 02/01/2022
Every February since 1976, millions of Americans have celebrated the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month. The City of Riverside joins in this year-round celebration of Black History Month as we delve into the rich history, contributions, and accomplishments of some notable African Americans here in Riverside.
ICONS BY THE RIVER
Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG
Rose Mayes: Since 1993, Rose has been an influential force in establishing fairness in housing as Executive Director of the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County. After more than five decades since President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Federal Fair Housing Ac, which sought to outlaw racial discrimination in housing, Rose continues to dedicate her life to this vital cause.
In addition to her fight for housing justice, Rose is a co-founder of the Riverside African American Historical Society, which was a guiding force for the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California and the erection of the MLK Downtown Statue in 1998.
Stay up to date with Rose Mayes’ latest project: https://www.inlandcivilrights.org/
DellRoberts: A legendary youth advocate and community icon, Dell Roberts worked for 38 years in the Riverside Unified School District as a football coach, campus supervisor and assistant principal in charge of discipline at Poly High School from 1965 to 1989, and as deputy administrator in charge. discipline and campus security for RUSD from 1989 until his retirement in 2003. Roberts founded the Black Students Union at local high schools in 1968, the Riverside Black History Committee in 1979, and the Black History Parade in 1980. Roberts and his wife, Carmen, run the Adrian “Dell” & Carmen Roberts Foundation in Riverside, which creates and provides cultural activities throughout the year.
Dell Roberts was recently announced as the winner of the Frank Miller Civic Achievement Award for 2022. Roberts will be honored at a ceremony and dinner May 19 at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.
Charles Bibb: As one of the market leaders in African American art printing, acclaimed artist, and Riverside resident, Charles Bibbs shares his perspective on the beauty of art and what it means to be an artist. Bibbs’ work fuses African American and Native American cultural themes that make powerful cross-cultural statements. You may have seen his works featured in exhibits at the Riverside Art Museum. In his quest to preserve and develop the visual arts, you can find Charles serving on the boards of museums and arts organizations to support the arts community.
To learn more about Charles Bibbs and see his works: https://www.cbibbs.com/
RIVER ATHLETES
2112 Place Vasquez
Bobby Bonds
Elizabeth and Robert Bonds Sr. moved to Riverside in 1957 with their four children. Rosie was an Olympic hurdler in 1964, Robert Jr. and David were also top athletes. Bobby was one of Riverside’s most famous athletes. As a professional baseball player, he was legendary for his power and speed. He was the first to hit at least 30 homers and steal at least 30 bases in a season, a feat he repeated 5 times. He was also the first 20th century baseball player to win a Grand Slam in his first professional game. 3-time All-Star, with 332 home runs, 1,024 RBI and 461 stolen bases, played in the 1971 National League Championship Series, was 1973 All-Star MVP and won 3 Gold Gloves . His son, baseball legend, Barry, was born in Riverside when the family lived here in 1964 who later became MLB’s all-time home run leader (762 HR).
dusty baker
Born June 15, 1949, Johnnie B. “Dusty” Baker grew up in the Eastside neighborhood of Riverside and spent his life playing baseball. After a productive career as an outfielder for four teams (Atlanta Braves, LA Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics) over a 19-year career, Baker joined the management ranks and is currently the manager of the Houston Astros. Baker is the first manager to guide five franchises to a division title — having done so with the Giants, Cubs, Reds, Nationals and Astros. He is also the only Major League Baseball Manager of the Year three times in League history. In November 2009, the City of Riverside named the baseball diamonds in Andulka Park after the MLB legend.
Press Company Photo
Press Company Photo
Cheryl Miller
Cheryl Miller knocked the women’s basketball off the court and sent it flying over the rim. Some of you may remember Cheryl Miller’s historic 105-point game against Norte Vista High School in 1982. After leading the Bears to a 132-4 record, Miller graduated from high school at both 4-time state champion and 4-time All-American. , Cheryl then competed at the collegiate level at the University of Southern California (USC). At USC, she was 4-time All-American, 3-time Naismith College Player of the Year, and led the Trojans to two consecutive NCAA championships (1983 and 1984).
After college, Cheryl won 5 gold medals and is recognized as a pioneer in women’s basketball. She is also the first woman to dive a basketball in a women’s basketball game and the first female analyst to call a nationally televised NBA game (1996).