A lady of firsts
Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who has been a trailblazer for women and African-Americans, was honored by the Los Angeles City Council on Friday for her years of service as she prepares to retire this year.
Burke, was the first African-American elected to the state Assembly, the county Board of Supervisors, the United States Olympic Committee and other posts. She also was the first member of Congress to give birth while in office.
Councilman Herb Wesson, who once served as her chief of staff, organized the tribute, which included turning over the Third Floor bridge gallery to pictures of Burke from throughout her career and which will be displayed throughout the month. It includes a video tribute from various officials about her contributions to the city.