We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alma Roberts. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Alma, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
My siblings, especially my Sisters have been my guides, my teachers, my closest friends, my mentors, and my harshest critics, all of my life. They helped my parents take care of me in my younger years and after my parents passed. Now. as we all have aged, and several of my siblings have also passed, I am now find myself caring for them. Even in their declining years, they are my teachers. I have learned from them how to live a meaningful, deeply committed and caring life, that gives back to those we love and those who have aided me along the way. Aging is my greatest fear right now. Losing the capacities that have allowed me to remain active and engaged is my greatest fear. As I watch my beloved Sisters wither and begin to fade, with grace, I am called on to make their final years as comfortable and happy as I can, while at the same time, mapping out my own final pathway.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alma Roberts. I am 77 years old. In 2021, I retired from a 49 year career as a health care executive, a career that carried me across the country and back to my beloved hometown of Baltimore. At the age of 62, I began a career as an abstract expressionist painter. In both careers, I have been and continue to be a passionate advocate for enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of people of color, whether it be in running health care organizations in depressed communities from California to Georgia to Texas, to New Jersey and Maryland, I have been working on economic development strategies to close the wealth gap in this country. With my art, I document the history and stories that portray the culture of people of color. I accept the responsibility as an elder to document lessons I have learned and strategies I have successfully deployed for surviving in a country that would prefer you not be here. I am working on leaving a legacy for those that follow me to utilize in building wealth and wellbeing.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
It was not a singular person but my parents and older siblings have been foundational in shaping who I am and how I see my self in the family, in society, and as a compassionate advocate for others less fortunate. I was born the youngest of 9 extraordinary people born to a couple who by all means had the odds stacked against them. My siblings, especially my sisters, have all my life been my guides, my teachers, my mentors, my closest friends, and my harshest critic. I have learned from them how to live a meaningful and deeply committed and caring life both professionally and in my personal endeavors. My siblings held positions of relevance and importance in Maryland especially, serving as college professors, academic Deans and Department Chairperson. They were exemplary community leaders and advocates, church members, and board members. They helped to shape my understanding of the connectivity we share as humans. The injustices and disparities we have suffered as African-Americans. And the responsibility we all are given at birth, to give back, and pay forward.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Success makes you forgetful. Suffering etches lessons in you mind and on your heart. Success makes you greedy for more successes. Suffering makes you humble and empathetic wishing nothing more than to keep your loved one insulted from professional and personal suffering. Suffering makes you look around to take note of who is standing by your side when things are not there best. Success brings attention but not unconditional support and caring.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends and family no that they are what matters most to me. My family especially is my shield in an unrelenting, uncaring, opportunistic world.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I work daily on crafting my legacy. The message is that I lived a life filled with love and support and I worked to pay that forward, sharing my time, energy, resources, and advocacy to help others especially those people of color. I always try to find hope in everything I encounter or endeavor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.almaroberts.com
- Instagram: @almarobertsart
- Facebook: #almarobertsart
Image Credits
All artwork images where taken by Alma Roberts, Artist
Headshot, Aisha Butler, JazzyStudios
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
