Black History Month Special: Colonel Anthony Roberson

"I didn't have too many proactive interactions with police when I was young, but that's not to say that I didn't have any," he explained.  "When it did occur, it really stood out in my mind and it just re-emphasized what impact a police officer could have on a youth and their family."

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WLNE) – In celebration of Black History Month, ABC6 News is highlighting influential members of Rhode Island’s Black community.

ABC6 News reporter Dominique Tuner sat down with the Chief of Police in Central Falls, Colonel Anthony Roberson, to discuss the challenges and triumphs he’s experience as a Black police officer.

Colonel Roberson grew up in the Hartford Park section of Providence. With degrees from prestigious establishments like Harvard and Boston University, the Colonel also has accolades for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. Roberson developed efforts like ‘Shop with a Cop’ and the ‘Leading Ladies’ initiative.

Colonel Roberson is Central Falls’ first Black police chief in department history.

“I entered law enforcement because I wanted to work closer to the community that I came in,” Colonel Roberson said in a sit down interview. “I wanted to get out of the police car when there’s not a call for service. When there’s not some type of emergency going on. In that role, try to improve the quality of life for the people.”

He tells ABC6 the new position gives him the opportunity to give back to his community. Roberson grew up in an area filled with crime, and tells ABC6 his interactions with police weren’t typically positive.

“I didn’t have too many proactive interactions with police when I was young, but that’s not to say that I didn’t have any,” he explained.  “When it did occur, it really stood out in my mind and it just re-emphasized what impact a police officer could have on a youth and their family.”

Roberson, reflecting on Black History Month and what it means to him.

“Remembering honoring the contribution that black Americans have made throughout the state the nation as well,” he said. “I know that they’ve broken down many barriers that even has allowed for me to be sitting here today.”

“The strides that black Americans have made, paved the way for myself and others to be sitting here today and allow for me to contribute. I walk in the footsteps of giants and I hope to at least contribute in anyway that I can.”

When asked what it’s like being Black and working in law enforcement. Roberson said he’s felt supported both in his current and former departments, and on the streets.

“I’ve been blessed enough to get a lot of respect from the cities that I’ve served, from the community, and I’m always just humbled by the response people give me,” he said.

“You walk with humility in all that you do, and I think people see that.”