Bessie Burke

Bessie Bruington Burke (March 19, 1891 - 1968) was the first African American teacher and principal hired in the Los Angeles public school system.

[1] In 1887, Burke's parents left their farms and teaching jobs in Kansas via a covered wagon.

By 1911, Burke had received her teaching credentials and became the first black teacher in the Los Angeles Public School System.

[1] Burke began teaching at Holmes Elementary School and became the first black principal in L.A. in 1918.

[1][2][3] Burke served in a number of civic organizations including the YWCA, Native California club, the Women's Political Study Club, and the NAACP.