Today In Black History: Yvonne Braithwaite Burke
The first African American woman to represent the West Coast in Congress and co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus
Issue #756 Today In Black History, Monday, October 28, 2024
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Madam Vice President (MVP) Kamala Devi Harris is a native of Oakland, California. She was a court prosecutor, an elected District Attorney for San Francisco, an elected Senator for California, and is an elected Vice President of the United States. On November 5, 2024, she will be elected President of the United States.
One of MVP’s role models and mentors was certainly Yvonne Braithwaite Burke, the first African American woman from the West Coast to serve in the United States Congress.
Yvonne Brathwaite Burke was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 5, 1932. Her education at the University of California, Los Angeles, and later at USC School of Law set the foundation for a career defined by advocacy, public service, and breaking barriers.
Her political journey began when she was elected to the California State Assembly in 1966. However, it was in 1972 that Burke made history by being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California's 37th Congressional District. Her victory was a significant milestone for African American women and a symbol of change in American society.
During her tenure in Congress until 1979, Burke was a staunch advocate for issues such as gender equality, civil rights, and social welfare. She served on the House Committee on Appropriations, a prestigious assignment that underscored her influence and commitment to sound fiscal policy and progressive initiatives. Her efforts were crucial in shaping legislation to improve education, healthcare, and housing, particularly for underrepresented communities.
Burke was the first Congresswoman to give birth while in office and the first to be granted maternity leave by the House Speaker.
Burke was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, an organization established to address the legislative concerns of African Americans and other marginalized groups. Through her involvement, Burke amplified the voices and needs of minorities at a national level, fostering greater inclusivity and equality in the legislative process.
One of Burke's most notable accomplishments outside Congress was her role in the 1972 Democratic National Convention. She became the first African American woman to serve as the Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Her work helped increase the representation of women and minorities within the Democratic Party, setting a precedent for future political engagements.
Burke served in the U.S. Congress from 1973–1979. After her congressional career, Burke made significant contributions to public service. She was appointed to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, where she became the first African American woman to serve on the board and later as Chair. Her leadership in local government further demonstrated her unwavering commitment to serving her community and advocating for change at every level.
She represented the 2nd District on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors from 1992 to 2008. She served as Chair of Los Angeles County four times and as chair pro tem three times.
In 1978, she did not seek re-election to Congress but ran for California's Attorney General. She lost to the Republican candidate.
Burke currently serves on the Amtrak Board of Directors, having been appointed by President Barack Obama in 2012.
Burke’s husband, William Burke, created the Los Angeles Marathon. Yvonne and her daughter Autumn are the first mother and daughter to both serve in the California Assembly.
Today In Black History
In 1981, Edward M. McIntrye was elected the first Black mayor of Augusta, Georgia.
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