Long before she held a title or stood at a podium, Angela Burns was doing the work – quietly, steadfast with unwavering love.
For 34 years she was a teacher in Palm Beach County schools. She also worked hard to im-prove the lives of students and parents in Delray through mentorship, service, and a deep-rooted belief in lifting up those around her.
Burns story begins in Cordele, Georgia where she was born. She is quick to remind people that Cordele is the Watermelon Capital of the World, but also where her family first settled.
Her mother Vernice was one of 14 children born to her grandmother Mary Myles. That side of her family were farmers in Georgia.
But it was in Delray Beach that her parents settled when she was 8 years old. It turned out to be a good decision. Burns, the oldest of five children, flourished there. She grew up in a home buzzing with the energy of siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. Some were so close in age, she didn’t realize they weren’t her brothers and sisters.
From an early age Angela was a natural born teacher. She learned to read before she ever set foot in a classroom and spent afternoons playing school with children, teaching them letters and words. Her calling was clear even then, “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher.”
Her mother Vernice, widowed at just 37 (after Angela’s father died in a work-related accident) was not only smart, but committed to helping her children and others in the community.
A nurse by training, Vernice worked in retail before purchasing a family grocery business (the 5th Avenue Super Market). Angela witnessed firsthand the power of women to make bold moves regardless of circumstances.
After attending S.D. Spady, Carver and Boca Raton High, Angela went on to build a full life of her own.
She met her soulmate and husband Bobby Burns in an algebra class at Boca High. Together they raised three children. Robert (who builds robots for Frito-Lay) Alex (who works in insurance) and Brittany, who follows in her mother’s footsteps, is a teacher at Village Academy.
Burn’s love for education wasn’t a career—it was a calling. She taught at S.D. Spady Elementary, Verde Elementary, Hammock Pointe Elementary and Village Academy. Along with her teaching skills, she brought infinite wisdom, compassion, structure, and instilled endless possibilities to her students.
During an eight-year break from teaching, Burns didn’t slow down. She worked in banking, eventually managing 25 employees and becoming licensed to sell insurance and mortgages. But in 1990, she returned to the classroom – a place that was hers in heart and destiny.
“Teaching has always been my passion,” she said.
Her impact, however spilled over far beyond the school walls. That is why she became involved in many community organizations, schools and non-profits. She also sharpened her territorial pencil to become Deputy Vice Mayor of the Delray City Commission (and CRA Chair) where she advocates for a sustainable and inclusive community.
Burns has also been a fierce advocate for the underserved population, supporting causes that uplift those in Delray Beach. Through ROSE (Raising Our Self Esteem) she mentored girls from ages seven to 16, offering guidance, confidence and critical resources.
As a volunteer tutor for young people, and a supportive advocate for the elderly, she is able to lift up the next generation while honoring the one before her.
Burn’s life has not been without hardship. After 33 years of marriage, her husband was killed in a highway accident. Though the loss was devastating, she carried on with the same grace and purpose. “Service has always been my anchor. I know my place in the world and it’s about being of service.”
You bet it is. When not serving on the city commission Angela shows up wherever needed. She was a judge at the South Tech High South Cosmetology Department Contest and spoke to students during Black History Month. She was also a guest at the recent Village Academy Graduation.
If you talk to people who know Burns you will hear about the brilliance she imbibes that sparkles like a diamond.
“Angela has an innate gift of seeing the potential in both people and ideas; she works tirelessly to nurture both. Whether she’s educating, advocating for historical preservation, mentoring young leaders, or serving in a leadership capacity, Angela leads with authenticity and heart,” said Kenya Madison, Senior Director, Healthier Delray Beach.
According to Madison, Angela’s presence is a steady anchor in times of change, and a radiant light that uplifts everyone around her.
“Angela’s kindness, coupled with her fierce dedication to legacy and community empowerment, makes her a living treasure of Delray Beach.”
But despite all the accolades, Burns insists she is not in the limelight in the traditional sense. But, in a community sense she is indeed a steady strobe light in the center of gravity.
And like any center of gravity, Angela gets swept up in the tide of change and does what it takes to help those in need. “I’m a great resource connecting people with leaders in the community and available resources.”
Burns does that through her involvement in the Peach Umbrella Network, a digital network trying to support the economic development of small Black-owned businesses.
She also launched “Burning conversations,” a Series of Town-hall Meetings where residents can participate, “meet and greet” the commissioner and discuss various community topics.
“I’ve held 19 meetings on everything from housing to infrastructure, hurricane prep and economic development.”
Burns is the first commissioner to do these town hall meetings. And there’s a good reason.
“It’s a way to connect and give information to the community. I believe the more information I give out the more power people will have. I want them to know I’m available at all times, not just during campaigns.”
As a means to that end Burns attends a different church every Sunday (even though she’s been a member of Lake Ida Church of Christ for 42 years). “I have visited 29 different churches in the last few years. I want people to have access to me and to know I’m with them all the time, not just at election time.”
Though Burns has called herself a quiet force in the city of Delray, she is a radiant face of familiarity to former students and community leaders. “I’m one of those people not seen by some people; but seen a lot by others.”
You bet she is. When she walks down the street, or attends events, former students come up and greet her. Some are police officers and others are just students who want to talk. “Everywhere I go I see my former students; It feels good to know that I’ve touched their lives.”
Being a city commissioner has other advantages to this woman of the people. And it’s not perks or ego. “Being on the commission is like icing on the cake. It allows me to speak for others in a louder voice than as a community activist.”
It’s also the means to an all-encompassing goal. “I want this to be a place of opportunity for everyone. This means making sure we’re doing everything we can to make sure they remain here – that’s why affordable housing is one of my passions.”
There’s a phrase often spoken, but rarely embodied: “To whom much is given, much is required.” Angela Burns has been given much, but despite her emotional riches, she is always ready to push the status quo to a higher level.
Burns continues to give – not for recognition, but because she thrives on lifting others up. High tides surely lift all boats. And in the case of Angela Burns, the surf is always up and the waves don’t ruffle her, they just give her a stronger resolve.
