Early Political Career
Prior to representing the 2nd District, Burke served as Vice-Chairperson of the 1972 Democratic National Convention (she was the first African-American to hold that position), represented the 4th District (1979–80), was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives initially representing portions of Los Angeles (1973–79), and was a member of the California State Assembly representing Los Angeles' 63rd District (1966–1972). Many of her early legislative efforts centered around juvenile issues and limiting garnishment of wages.
A lot of what she achieved influenced her to convince others to run after their dream, so she went to children's hospitals and encouraged some of the children to never give up. She said: "No matter what is in your way never give up and chase after your dream, with no interference of discouragement."
Read more about this topic: Yvonne Brathwaite Burke
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