E’ry day this month, Philly’s 7th Ward, in partnership with the Center for Black Educator Development, will highlight a “Black Educator Hall of Famer.“ But, don’t forget, e’ry month is Black History Month. February is just the Blackest. Every day is an ongoing opportunity to learn and teach the colossal impact Black educators have had on society.
Bessie Burke
Bessie Bruington Burke was born on March 19, 1891, in Los Angeles, California. In an effort to create a better future for themselves—likely to escape racism—Burke’s parents left their farms and teaching professions in Kansas, came to Los Angeles in a covered wagon in 1887, and settled in what is now North Hollywood. Burke is a graduate of Polytechnic High School and of the Los Angeles State Normal School (LANS)—now part of UCLA—where she graduated 7th in her class.
Burke received her teaching credentials in 1911 and became the first Black teacher in the Los Angeles Public School system. Despite Burke’s high score on the teacher’s exam, it took pressure from the community to secure her a teaching position in 1911. Yet she was hired. Burke began teaching at Holmes Elementary School. It was the first school built for Black children in Los Angeles in the Black community known as Furlong Tract.
Burke became the first Black principal in L.A. in 1918, and in 1938, she became the first Black principal to head a racially integrated school. In her time, Burke served as principal of four schools in the Los Angeles School District.
Burke also volunteered with many civic and community organizations that worked to advance the rights of people of color and women. These included the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association), NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), Native California Club, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
After 44 years with the Los Angeles School District, Burke retired in 1955. She continued her activism and organizing after her retirement. Her work as an educator and her dedication to youth, particularly Black youth, earned her numerous honors.
In December 2023, Mount Saint Mary’s University created the “Bessie Bruington Burke Excellence in Black Teaching Award” for educators who, like Burke, demonstrate expertise in teaching, a passion for social justice, and a deep commitment to their students. Also, in 2024, a sign proclaiming “Bessie Burke Square” was placed at the intersection of 51st Street and Holmes Avenue in Los Angeles—the location of Burke’s first teaching position.
Bessie Bruington Burke, a member of the Black Educator Hall of Fame.
Happy Black History Month, make sure to learn more about Bessie Burke.
