Author Archive
Harvey B. Burk
Cyclist, Leader, Businessman, Orator, Lawyer, Advocate of Civil Rights in Jim Crow Era 232nd in a series from Tales from Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery By SUE HUNTER WEIR In his Obituary, Harvey B. Burk was described as “a young man who had made his own way in life.” He accomplished more in his 36 years than most people could accomplish in a longer lifetime. He was a civic and social leader, an orator, a lawyer, and an outspoken supporter of civil rights during the Jim Crow era. His life story reflects the resilience of a Community that not only survived but thrived during very difficult times. His prominence in the Black Community did not shield him from racism. CyclistLittle is known about his early life other than that he was born in Ohio on January 11, 1874. His name first appeared in the Minneapolis Tribune in 1896 when, at the age of 21, he was among 100 men selected to participate in the Northwestern Cycle Company’s 15-mile road race around Lake [...]
