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WHEREAS Mrs. Josephine D. Roberts was a long-time Pittsburgh resident who committed her life to serving and improving her community. Serving on a multitude of committees and boards of directors for community organizations of all sorts, Josephine devoted over 50 years of service to the Hill District Community; and
WHEREAS Josephine's eventful and service oriented life began November 17, 1916. One of seven children, her family moved to the Pittsburgh area in 1921. Josephine met and married Howard Roberts, Sr. and had one child, Pola V. Roberts. During this period Josephine served as a member of the American Women in Volunteer Service, an organization for those who had loved ones fighting in World War II. She was a 'Girl Reserve' with the YWCA, a member of the Pittsburgh Dance Council and on occasion during the 1930's, she was an extra dancer with the Brown Skin Models; and
WHEREAS in the 1940's Josephine began working in a women's dress shop in Pittsburgh's East Liberty section. It was then that she began her association with the Hill City Youth Municipality, one of the three predecessors of today's Hill House Association. She was the coordinator of a tap dancing class, taught crafts and girls' etiquette classes. She also worked with crime prevention programs and coordinated work with the American Red cross. Josephine was later employed at the Hill House Association as a Neighborhood Development Coordinator. Between the two organizations, Josephine served the Hill District Community for over 50 years; and
WHEREAS the extensive list of accomplishments and services Josephine has provided to the community is noteworthy. Chairperson Emeritus of the police/Citizens Council, Vice President & Secretary of the Pittsburgh Chapter of National Council of Negro Women, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Hill District Citizens Development Corporation, an Advisory board Member of Carnegie Library Hill unit, Women in Community Development, Black Caucus on ...
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