Roberts becomes Cape's first Black Rotary District Governor

As we emerge from a year of quarantine, we have a choice: go back to the way things were or move forward towards something better. So many people of good will in the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island are choosing to consider new possibilities, including the opportunity to create more diverse and inclusive societies. The question on their minds is, "Who will lead the way?" While many small groups are working to effect change, one highly respected organization with global reach and local clout is quietly stepping forward: Rotary.

Rotary International is a unique federation of over 1.2 million members in 35,000 clubs around the world, whose motto “Service above Self” is realized in programs from the granting of individual college scholarships to the eradication of polio from the planet. Diversity and Inclusion are in the very DNA or Rotary, as witnessed by its vision: "Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves."

Rotary Clubs in New England are taking this vision seriously, working to make their own clubs more diverse, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in their communities.

As of July 1, Rotary District 7950, which covers 60+ clubs in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands, has its first African-American District Governor: Dr. William Roberts.

Known to friends and colleagues as Billy, Roberts, whose clinical and consulting practice serves peoples of diverse backgrounds, has been deeply involved in both Rotary and the community. Roberts has served as President of the Barnstable Sunrise Rotary Club, Assistant District Governor, and Chairman of the District’s Diversity Committee. 

He was elected as a member of the United States National Governing Body of the Baha’i Faith in 1998 and served as its Treasurer for 13 years. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of both the Cape Organization for the Rights of the Disabled and the Cape Cod Community College Educational Foundation.