Bessie Bruington Burke, 1918-1938

Title: Bessie Bruington Burke, 1918-1938
Alternative title: Bessie Bruington Burke, first African American teacher and principal in Los Angeles
Date Created: [1918-1938]
Date: 1918/1938
Collection: Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection
OpenUCLA Collections

Description: 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.
Studio portrait of Bessie Bruington Burke as a young woman. She is wearing a striped shirt and a bow tie