Bessie Bruington Burke seated at a desk, 1955-1968

Title: Bessie Bruington Burke seated at a desk, 1955-1968
Alternative title: Bessie Bruington Burke, first African American teacher and principal in Los Angeles
Date Created: [1955-1968]
Collection: OpenUCLA Collections
Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection

Description: Bessie Bruington Burke seated at a desk with a potted plant on the wall above her.
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.