Bartow, FL – June 4, 1928
On this day in 1928, Lela Burkett made history as the first African American student to graduate from high school in Polk County. She received her diploma from Union Academy in Bartow, a school established in 1897 to educate Black students during the era of segregation.
Burkett’s graduation marked a major milestone not only for the local Black community but also for the county’s educational progress.
Her achievement paved the way for future generations of students in a time when educational opportunities for African Americans were severely limited.
Union Academy continues to honor its legacy as a cornerstone of Black education in Polk County, and Burkett’s name remains a symbol of determination, courage, and progress.
