Lillian moved to Merced in 1952. Her husband Vernie Roberts opened a barber shop in Merced. She is the mother of three children, Albert, Kenneth and Connie.
Lillian dedicated her life for racial equality and integration. She was a member of Southside improvement League known as Smile that worked to get streets light, curbs and sidewalks for south Merced’ homes.
In 1965 while working as a teacher at Galen Clark Elementary School an elementary school attended mostly by minority students at that time, Lillian was asked to teach at Ada Givens, a predominately white school. “I was unsure about it but I was encouraged to integrate the schools.” Lillian Roberts also joined a group of ethnically diverse Mercedians to help break down barriers in Merced.
Lillian Roberts received her teaching credential from CSU Stanislaus and Master’s Degree from Fresno Pacific College in 1979. She retired in 1992 after working 11 years as principal for Galen Clark Preschool. After retiring she worked as Executive Director for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) a group of special advocates for neglected, abused and abandoned children where she trained community volunteers to represent these children.
Lillian Roberts accomplishments includes: BS, California State University, Stanislaus (1964)MA, Fresno Pacific College (1979), Certified Elementary. School Teacher (1955-66), Manager-Co-Owner Vernie’s Barber Shop and Cocktail Lounge, Merced, CA (1955-66), Teacher, Merced County School District (1962-72), Resource Teacher (1972-77) r Coordinator Consolidate Programs (1977-92), Retired (1992), Private Music Teacher, Merced (1960-65), Adult Education Teacher Merced Union High School District (1965-66), Chief Attendance Office, Merced City School District (1981-92), Affirmative Action Officer, Title IX Office (1981-86), Adj. Instruction Merced Community College (1983-86), CASA (1993-96), Named an Honoree Merced County Historical Society Museum Exhibit (2007) and Healthy House Window Member. She was also a member of Merced Community College Choir.
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