Yvonne Brathwaite Burke is a trailblazing figure in Black history. She became the first Black woman elected to the California Assembly in 1966 and later the first Black woman elected to Congress from California in 1972. Burke was known for her advocacy on civil rights, women's rights, and healthcare reform.

During her time in Congress, Burke co-authored the Humphrey-Hawkins Act, which aimed to achieve full employment and price stability in the U.S. She also served on the Select Committee on Assassinations, investigating the deaths of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

After leaving Congress, Burke continued to make history as the first Black woman to serve on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. She played a key role in expanding healthcare services for underserved communities and improving public transportation in the region.

Yvonne Burke's legacy as a pioneering Black woman in politics and her lifelong commitment to social justice make her a significant figure in Black history.