Adelbert H. Roberts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adelbert H. Roberts
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Roberts in 1925 as State Senator
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| Member of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office 1924–1934 |
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| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives | |
| In office 1918–1920 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | August 20, 1866 Decatur, Michigan |
| Died | January 26, 1937 (aged 70) Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Lula Wiley
(m. 1895) |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Lawyer, politician |
Adelbert H. Roberts (born August 20, 1866 – died January 26, 1937) was an important American politician. He made history in 1924 by becoming the first African American to serve in the Illinois Senate.
Contents
About Adelbert H. Roberts
Early Life and Education
Adelbert H. Roberts was born on August 20, 1866, in Decatur, Michigan. He was a bright student, finishing high school at age 17. After that, he became a teacher.
He continued his education at the University of Michigan. Later, he studied law at Northwestern University School of Law. In 1895, he married Lula Wiley, and they had four children together.
Political Career
In 1918, Roberts started his political career. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives as a member of the Republican Party.
After a difficult time in Chicago in 1919, Governor Frank Orren Lowden asked Roberts to join the Chicago Commission on Race Relations. This group was formed to help improve relationships between different groups of people.
In 1924, Roberts was chosen to join the Illinois Senate. He was then elected to the Senate in 1926 and again in 1930. He lived in the Douglas area of Chicago during his time in office.
Later Life and Legacy
Roberts passed away on January 26, 1937, in Chicago. His wife, Lula, and two of his sons survived him.
Many years later, in 1984, two politicians named Senator Margaret Smith and Representative Howard B. Brookins Sr. worked hard to honor Roberts. They successfully campaigned to have a statue of him placed in the Capitol building. This statue helps people remember his important contributions.
Images for kids
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Roberts in 1925 as State Senator
