Bessie Bruington Burke is recognized as the first black principal of a Los Angeles public school. She attended Los Angeles State Normal School (now part of UCLA) and earned her teaching credential in 1911. Her education was paid for by the Los Angeles Forum, a political and civic organization founded by African Americans in the early 20th century. Bessie Bruington Burke as a young teacher in a class portrait in front of her school with 21 boys. Written on back of photo: Mrs. Bessie Bruington Burke, Principal of Holmes Ave. School. 1st Black teacher in L.A. and first Black principal, 1918-1938 (furlong tract).
Type
image
Identifier
uclalsc_1889_b21_f05_001a.tif ark:/21198/z11r87q4
Subject
African American school principals Burke, Bessie Bruington, 1891-1968
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