A new roadway servicing the new world-class Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport will be named Col. Roberts Road in honor of New Jersey native Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts, who was a member of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen program, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced at an event today.
The tribute to Roberts was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring a presentation by Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole to members of the Roberts family, including his daughter, ABC’s “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts.
“As the Port Authority moves forward in reimagining this airport, we have a commitment to building on the rich history of this state and its people,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Naming this street after New Jersey-born Colonel Roberts pays tribute to his achievements, bravery and contributions that not only impacted our communities but shaped our nation’s history.”
“Colonel Roberts lived a full, rich life dedicated to serving others and our great nation,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “With an estimated 13.6 million passengers a year expected to travel through this new terminal, immortalizing his contributions by dedicating this street to him is a testament to his great legacy.”
“We knew it was only appropriate to have this new access road named in honor of someone who gave so much not only to aviation, but to our state and our country,” said James Gill, the Port Authority’s general manager of New Jersey airports.
Born and raised not far from Newark Liberty in Vauxhall, N.J., on Dec. 9, 1922, Roberts dreamed of flying. In 1943, the future airman entered the United States Army Air Corps at Keesler Air Force Base and was later assigned to the Tuskegee Airmen program in 1944. He dedicated 32 years to military service.
Beyond his service as a Tuskegee Airman, Roberts was an aviation and civic pioneer who fought for civil rights and desegregation. He was instrumental in convincing U.S. President Harry Truman to desegregate the U.S. military in 1948 and helped to inspire the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Married to Lucimarian Tolliver Roberts for 57 years, they had four children: Lawrence E. Roberts II, Sally-Ann Roberts Nabonne, Dorothy Roberts, and Robin Roberts. He was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Roberts attended Howard University, received his bachelor’s from Morningside College, and earned a master’s degree from the Tuskegee Institute. He also received numerous accolades for his bravery, including 18 service medals and awards over his storied career, as well as several posthumous awards.
