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Draft:Blossom A. Burton

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Dr. Blossom A. Burton (Safiya) American Educator, Social Activist, and International Liaison

Dr. Blossom A. Burton, also known as Safiya, is an American social activist and former International Liaison for the Free State Province during South Africa’s 1994 democratic elections. She is recognized for her contributions to political organizing and creating spaces that foster unity and resilience.

Early Life and Background Dr. Burton grew up with a focus on social issues and cultural identity, which shaped her career in advocacy and empowerment. Her early experiences informed her later work in social activism and fostering inclusive spaces.

Professional Contributions

South Africa’s 1994 Democratic Elections In 1994, Dr. Burton served as the International Liaison for South Africa’s Free State Province during the country’s first democratic elections. Her role involved coordinating and overseeing all activities involving international observers in the province, ensuring transparency and supporting the peaceful transition to democracy.

The South African Elections Manual for International Observers, published by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), outlines the responsibilities of International Liaisons, including their role in managing communication, organizing logistics, and ensuring electoral processes met international standards. Dr. Burton’s name and title are listed on page 18 of this manual, which is archived at Columbia College Chicago’s Digital Commons.

References:

South African Elections Manual for International Observers, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), archived at Columbia College Chicago’s Digital Commons. See page 18.

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Obama Campaign Field Organizer (2008)

In 2008, Dr. Burton worked as a Field Organizer for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in Mercer County, New Jersey. She was responsible for establishing a local campaign office and implementing voter outreach strategies, including canvassing and phone banking.

The Times (New Jersey) featured her efforts in the article "Savoring the Victory," highlighting her work to mobilize disengaged voters and build local support during the historic election.

References: 3. The Times (New Jersey), "Savoring the Victory," November 6, 2008, written by Dave Gard.

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Mount Ida College Board of Trustees

From 2009 to 2013, Dr. Burton served on the Board of Trustees for Mount Ida College, contributing to governance and strategic planning. Mount Ida College later became the Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst.

References: 4. Mount Ida College Board of Trustees – Archived Employee Directory, web.archive.org.

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Evolving Work and Purpose

Dr. Burton continues her work, fostering resilience and inclusivity through creating spaces that support personal growth and collective empowerment.

References

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[LINK_TO_MANUAL "South African Elections Manual for International Observers"]. Digital Commons. Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa. Retrieved November 15, 2024. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help) Dave Gard (November 6, 2008). [LINK_TO_ARTICLE "Savoring the Victory"]. The Times (New Jersey). Retrieved November 15, 2024. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help) [LINK_TO_ARCHIVE "Mount Ida College Board of Trustees – Archive"]. Web Archive. Mount Ida College. Retrieved November 15, 2024. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)

  1. ^ Burton, Blossom. "Savoring the Victory (by Dave Gard)". nj.newsbank.com. Times NJ Newspaper 11/6/2008. Retrieved 11-15-2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  2. ^ Burton, Blossom. "Mount Ida College Board of Trustees – Archive". web.archive.org. web.archive.org. Retrieved 11-15-2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  3. ^ Burton, Dr. Blossom. "Enter the title as it appears on the manual, such as South African Elections Manual for International Observers (1994)". Digital Commons at Columbia College Chicago. Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa. Retrieved 11/15/2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  4. ^ [LINK_TO_MANUAL "South African Elections Manual for International Observers"]. Digital Commons. Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa. Retrieved November 15, 2024. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  5. ^ Dave Gard (November 6, 2008). [LINK_TO_ARTICLE "Savoring the Victory"]. The Times (New Jersey). Retrieved November 15, 2024. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
  6. ^ [LINK_TO_ARCHIVE "Mount Ida College Board of Trustees – Archive"]. Web Archive. Mount Ida College. Retrieved November 15, 2024. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)