Harry Burke: Educator, Community Leader, and Historian

Harry Burke

Harry Burke served as a public schoolteacher for several decades.  During segregation, African American youths had no place to swim. When the African American community dedicated the Johnson Memorial Pool in 1952, Burke served as the director.  He was also responsible for organizing the first black swim teams in Alexandria.  He conducted classes for youth to earn lifeguard certification. Burke was instrumental in securing scholarships for athletes who would join collegiate swim teams.  Harry served for several years as the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage Chairman and was an advocate for preserving Alexandria’s African American heritage.