Thelma Burns
Thelma D. Burns | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1936 |
| Died | November 18, 2022 |
Thelma D. Burns was a community activist in Boston.[1] She has served as a director of the non-profit, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) for 35 years.[2] She has also served as a leader on community boards including the Mayor’s Senior Advisory Council, and the Roxbury YMCA.[3]
Burns was born in Cambridge, MA. Burns received her bachelor's in education from Boston University and a master's in Education Administration from Harvard University.[4] She became a Robert F. Kennedy Fellow in 1968. She served as the METCO director for Belmont Public Schools for 28 years.[5]
In May 2016, the ABCD building in Roxbury was named in her honor.[6] In 2023, she was recognized as one of "Boston’s most admired, beloved, and successful Black Women leaders" by the Black Women Lead project.[7][8][9] In 2024, a scholarship fund for high schoolers was named in her honor.[10]
References
- ^ "Black History Boston: Thelma Burns | Boston.gov". www.boston.gov. 2020-02-18. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "Thelma D. Burns – The Bay State Banner". www.baystatebanner.com. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "Thelma D. Burns obituary". www.dolanfuneral.com. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "Thelma D. Burns". ABCD CHC. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "Thelma Burns leaves enduring, rich legacy - ABCD Action for Boston Community Development". bostonabcd.org. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "ABCD building to be named for Dot's Thelma Burns | Dorchester Reporter". www.dotnews.com. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "Black Women Lead". Greater Grove Hall Main Streets. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ Sullivan, Mike (2023-10-04). "Portraits along Blue Hill Avenue honor Boston's Black women leaders". CBS Boston. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ^ Gaskin, Ed (10 April 2025). Black Women Lead: Boston's Most Admired, Beloved, and Iconic Leaders, 1700 - Present. Independently published. ISBN 979-8317465209.
- ^ "Scholarship fund set up to memorialize Thelma Burns; Oct. 11 talent show is initial fundraiser | Dorchester Reporter". www.dotnews.com. Retrieved 2025-05-20.