Society & Culture
Catherine Williams Burks is a most beautiful woman. As she talks, she has a smile that makes you wonder if she’s remembering something funny or just a secret she might not share. Catherine is warm, gentle, and still active at 89 years young (2019). I was thrilled to have spent nearly three hours with her. Of course, I can’t include everything here. But I do want to share the Les Charmantes story and how reconnecting with high school friends after starting her career blossomed into a small organization of 15 women that has presented annual scholarships to young college/trade school women for over 50 years. This organization has been operating for 66 years (as of 2019). In 1951, Catherine was accepted as a mathematician at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD - her dream come true. Now that’s a story in itself. Join me in learning about growing up Black in Havre de Grace, getting an education that started in a school paid for by the parents and a generous donor, and the generous spirit of Catherine Williams Burks. We encourage you to visit our website!