Posted on 03/01/2024
Dear Neighbors,
After weeks of celebration, we concluded February on a triumphant note by honoring a remarkable "SHero" who embodies the essence of why it is vital for Angelenos to commemorate Black History Month.
It was a beautiful sight to see the District 9 community come together Feb. 29 to officially dedicate the intersection of 52nd Street and Holmes Avenue as Bessie Bruington Burke square, right in front of the school where this trailblazing educator began her impactful journey breaking down color barriers, shaping minds and nurturing future leaders.
Though her name may not be widely recognized, Bessie will forever stand as a champion of Civil Rights. In the early 20th century, she embarked on a path that would change the landscape of education in Los Angeles. In 1911, as the first African American teacher in the city's public school system, Bessie fearlessly walked into Holmes Avenue Elementary School, right here in Council District 9, ready to make her mark. In a time of segregation and inequality, her mere presence in the classroom was a revolutionary act, a testament to the power of using education as a tool for social change.
Seven years later, Bessie would go on to make history again by becoming the first Black principal in Los Angeles. By 1938, with over two decades of service as an educator under her belt, Bessie took on a new challenge as the principal of Nevin Avenue Elementary, where she became the first Black principal of a racially integrated school.
Her appointment was not just a personal achievement but a great victory in the fight for equal rights, opening the doors for future Black and Brown educators. In 1955, Bessie concluded her career as a pioneer educator and a relentless advocate for people of color and women.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of Bessie Bruington Burke and countless other African American changemakers of the past and present, let us recommit ourselves to the values of justice, fairness, and empowerment.
In solidarity,
