Dr. B. S. Roberts

A respect for family traditions directed Benjamin Salter Roberts to a path that would dominate the events of his life and would positively affect the life of Tulsa.

Dr. Roberts grew up in Shellman, Georgia, the son of an AME minister who dedicated 54 years of his life to the church. When the time came for young B.S. Roberts to select a career, he, like three other of his nine siblings, chose the ministry. Dr. Roberts was graduated from Fort Valley, Georgia, State College and, subsequently, earned degrees from the Atlanta Theological Seminary and Jackson Seminary in North Little Rock.

Grounded in the theological aspects of his church, Dr. Roberts arrived in Tulsa in January, 1949, to begin the work of translating theology into the daily life of his parishioners at St. John AME Church. A prime example of his approach would be the organization of the Golden Age Task Force. Dr. Roberts recognized that the pressing social issues facing North Tulsa required "hands-on" attention. He also saw a pool of resources in the retired and elderly members of his parish. By mobilizing this group, St. John AME Church was not only able to meet the child care and nutrition needs of the community, but also gave meaning and direction to the lives of individuals who, in many instances, thought their most productive days were behind them.

Quiet reflection and the ability to match resources with challenges has been the hallmark of Dr. Roberts' activities in both religious and public arenas. His effectiveness as a personal counselor and spiritual guide won for him the lasting respect of his church during his 36 year pastorate. Dr. Roberts left his pastoral duties at St. John AME Church in 1986, when he was elevated to the position of Presiding Elder for the Tulsa District. During his long pastoral career, Dr. Roberts' influence in North Tulsa extended well beyond his church. His leadership abilities were recognized at the voting booth in 1990, when he joined eight other individuals elected as Tulsa's first City Councilors. The Roberts "style" of working quietly to build consensus came with him into the council chamber, as he worked to make improvements in the First District, while balancing the needs of the city as a whole. For Dr. Roberts had learned an early lesson growing up in Georgia; to respect the traditions of a family, even if that "family" is the entire City of Tulsa.