The latest Blacklight on Sports podcast spotlights Benny Roberts, Executive Director of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul. A proud descendant of the historic Rondo neighborhood and a graduate of St. Paul Central, Roberts has built a career on preserving legacy and uplifting his community.
Leading Through Service
Under Roberts’ leadership, Hallie Q. Brown Community Center continues to provide vital resources that support health, wellness, and stability for families across St. Paul. The center also cultivates and protects communal archives, ensuring that the rich history of Rondo and its people is honored and remembered for generations to come.
Roberts sees his work as more than administration. It is about extending lifelines — improving quality of life, increasing longevity, and strengthening the bonds of community.
Athlete, Foodie, Storyteller
Before his role in community leadership, Roberts made his mark on the basketball court. As a standout player for St. Paul Central’s Minutemen, he went on to a four-year career at Webster University. That athletic foundation continues to inform his approach to discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
Today, Roberts is also known as a foodie and a sought-after speaker, using his voice and platform to inspire others while continuing to embody the spirit of Rondo.
Watch and Listen
The full interview with Benny Roberts is available to stream above and on all major podcast platforms.