Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, the first Black woman elected to the California Legislature, joins members of her family at the California State Capitol during a tribute honoring her late husband, Dr. William “Bill” Burke. The California State Assembly adjourned in his memory to recognize his lifetime of service to the state. Shown from left to right are daughter Christine Burke Adams, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, daughter and former Assemblymember Autumn Burke, and granddaughter Isabella. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
The first Black woman elected to the California Legislature, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, her daughters, former Assemblymember Autumn Burke Adams and Christine Burke Adams, and her granddaughter, visited the California State Capitol on June 8 to attend an Assembly floor session honoring the life and legacy of Dr. William “Bill” Burke.
The Assembly adjourned in memory of Dr. Burke, Brathwaite Burke’s husband of 54 years and a prominent civic leader who began his public service career at the Capitol. Dr. Burke, founder of the Los Angeles Marathon, died May 29 at the age of 87.
“Thank you to the members of the California State Assembly for adjourning in memory of my dad,” Autumn Burke posted on LinkedIn.
“His first job in the Capitol was working for Speaker Jesse Unruh. It was there that he met my mom and began a lifetime of service to the State of California, both in the Capitol and far beyond it.”
Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) joined fellow lawmakers, including Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), in paying tribute to Dr. Burke. Assemblymembers Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) and Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) delivered remarks celebrating his life and contributions.
“Dr. Burke was a giant, not only for his accomplishments, but because of his generosity in sharing his knowledge, wisdom, and encouraging others,” McKinnor said, fighting back tears. “I am deeply grateful for learning from him. To Yvonne, Autumn, Christine, Isabella and the entire family, please know that California mourns with you. We pray that God grant you peace, comfort, and strength during these difficult times.”
In Los Angeles, Dr. Burke was widely recognized as a pioneering entrepreneur, civic leader and advocate for environmental justice. He is perhaps best known as the founder of the Los Angeles Marathon, which became one of the nation’s premier road races and a symbol of the city’s resilience and unity.
He was also chair of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board.
The Capitol holds deep personal and historical significance for the Burke family. Yvonne Brathwaite Burke served as an assemblymember from 1967 to 1973, a member of Congress and Los Angeles County supervisor, while Autumn Burke represented the 62nd Assembly District from 2014 to 2022, continuing the family’s tradition of public service.
Bo Tefu, contributed to this report.
