
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Olivia Tomlinson | 2023
Highlights: Olivia has been the recipient of the Department of Defense SMART Scholarship and awarded the Army Student Intern Program Scholarship where she will continue working with the Alaska District of the Army Corps of Engineers. Olivia's Burton Roots Parents: Chris & Lillian Tomlinson Grandparents: Tim & Myrna Bullock Great Grandparents: Delious Tim & Ruby (Burton) Bullock Great Great Grandparents: Ira & Roberta (Smith) Burton Great Great Great Grand Parents: Richard & Julia (Young) Burton What the Burton Family legacy means to me... " To me, the Burton family legacy is a testament to the strength and resilience that has been passed down through generations. It is a celebration of unity, where family members come together to support and uplift one another in the face of adversity. Success within a family legacy encompasses not only individual achievements but also collective progress, where each member's accomplishments contribute to the overall prosperity of the family. Diversity is an integral part of this legacy, as it embraces and values the unique experiences, talents, and perspectives of every family member, fostering growth and understanding across generations. It is a legacy rooted in love, shared history, and the unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and create a brighter future.”

Solomon Dortch | 2023
Highlights: Graduated May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications/Media Studies. Activities & sSocieties: Campus Marketing Committee, Rams TV, Public Relations Team for multiple committees, Campus Media Photographerand Videographer Skills: Copy Editing · Writing · Presentation Skills · Social Media · Presentations · Video Production · Advertising · Online Advertising · Communication Solomon's Burton Roots Parents: Karen Irene Madge Rogers & Robert L. Dortch, Jr. Grandparents: Barara Irene Burton) Rogers & Price Rogers Great Grandparents: William & Madge (Holland) Burton Great Great Grandparents: Ira & Roberta (Smith) Burton Great Great Great Grand Parents: Richard & Julia (Young) Burton

Ma'Kayla Hunter | 2022
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Nonprofit Management Concentration
Highlights: Graduated May 2022 with a Master’s in Public Administration with a Nonprofit Management Concentration. Executive Director of the Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Association. Married Jamel Jefcoat in March 2023! A new addition to the family! Ma'Kayla's Burton Roots Parents: Zakia Jones & Tim Jones Grandparents: Wilma & JB Hunter Great Grandparents: William & Madge (Holland) Burton Great Great Grandparents: Ira & Roberta (Smith) Burton Great Great Great Grand Parents: Richard & Julia (Young) Burton What the Burton Family legacy means to me... "As a Burton, I know that my role in this world has extreme importance. I am from a legacy that has overcome significant obstacles, paving a way for future generations. Therefore, it is my duty to make the most of my opportunities and exceed past expectations set by society. Being a Burton gives me the tools to do just that, being born with perseverance and determination to beat the odds. I plan to contribute my time, expertise, and finances to ensure that our family continues our events and strong connections. I am thankful to be a Burton, and I am excited to grow older and contribute in a more direct manner."

Susan Gale Hicks | 2022
Highlights: - B.A. in Psychology, University of Pennsylvania - M.S. in Multicultural Education, Eastern University, St. Davids, PA - Ph.D., Organizational Leadership, Eastern University, St. Davids, PA - Topic: The Faith Integration Experience of Christian, African American Principals in the U.S. Urban High-Poverty Public School Context. Future plans: Write articles and do presentations around my research topic. Also, teach in higher education. Family: Daughter: Tulani Ain Johnson Grandchildren: Lance Kyle Johnson, Jr., Leilani Iman Johnson, Alana Malise Susan Johnson Susan's Burton Roots: Parents: Ozell & Willie Mae (Patterson) Hicks Grandparents: Walter & Magazine (Burton) Hicks Great Grandparents: Ira & Roberta (Smith) Burton Great Great Grand Parents: Richard & Julia (Young) Burton What the Burton Family legacy means to me... "The Burton Family Legacy is important to me because it comforts my soul to see and know how I am connected to the deep roots of my dad's family. We all have a need to know from whom we were descended and to whom we are connected. For me, the Burton Family Legacy helps to fulfill that need. The Burton Family Legacy invokes endearing feelings of the memories of my dad and helps me to imagine what life may have been like for him as a youngster. I only wish I could have similar connections on my mother's side of the family. However, I am grateful for the information that I have about my dad's ancestry. I am happy to be a part of the Burton family roots and plan to contribute in any way that I am capable."

Dezmen Howard | 2022
Winston-Salem State University
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Magna Cum Laude
Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics
Highlights: - Chapter President,Beta Iota Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - Mathematics research assistant - Computer Science Research assistant - Legacy Leader - Advancement Ambassador - 8X Deans list Recipient - 3.56 GPA - Full- Time Job Offer in CLT with TIAA Dezmen's Burton Roots Parents: Donna Askew Grandparents: Cora (Burton) Askew & Latice Askew Great Grandparents: William & Madge (Holland) Burton Great Great Grandparents: Ira & Roberta (Smith) Burton Great Great Great Grand Parents: Richard & Julia (Young) Burton

Zipporah Posey | 2022
Highlights: - Summa Cum Laude - 8x Deans List - 3.94 GPA - 4 year Exquisite Majorette - AVID Tutor and ODU Athletic Tutor Future Plans: After receiving my BS degree from ODU on Saturday, I will be moving to Georgia in June to attend Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Georgia where I will be studying to obtain my Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy. Zipporah's Burton Roots: Parents: Thomas & Lynn Posey Grandparents: James & Wilma (Burton) Hunter Great Grandparents: William & Madge (Holland) Burton Great Great Grandparents: Ira & Roberta (Smith) Burton Great Great Great Grand Parents: Richard & Julia (Young) Burton

Jordan Landrum | 2022
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Data Science
Spatial Data Analytics Concentration)
Highlights: CRAA Rugby Nationals Player with W&M Women's Club Rugby (3rd) Jordan's Burton Roots Parents: Scott and Julia Landrum Grandparents: Gwendolyn Burton Landrum & Sylvester Landrum Great Grandparents: Algernon & Mabel (Harris) Burton Great Great Grandparents: Ira & Roberta (Smith) Burton Great Great Great Grand Parents: Richard & Julia (Young) Burton What the Burton Family legacy means to me... "The Burton Family legacy means support, love, and a strong foundation to grow from..."

Victoria Mims | 2022
Highlights: - Resident Assistant for 3 years - NC Governor's Boards and Commissions Intern - Editor in Chief for the school newspaper - Orientation Leader - Peace Times Award - Commitment to Community Award - Sophomore of the Year Award - Resident Assistant Rookie of the Year Award Victoria's Burton Roots Parents: Andrew & Lonette Mims Grandparents: Otis & Joyce Mims Great Grandparents: Albert & Julia Mae (Burton) Mims Great Great Grandparents: Richard & Myrtle (Verbal) Burton Great Great Great Grand Parents: Richard & Julia (Young) Burton What the Burton Family legacy means to me... "As I grow older, understanding my family history is important to me because so often I get asked about my nationality. I am just becoming aware of the history of my paternal heritage. Being able to explain my roots and how I got here is super important to me, that is why the Burton Family legacy will forever play huge role in my life. It is hard to move forward without knowing how it all began."

Brianna Davis | 2022
Highlights: - Graduated with a 4.0 GPA - HRSA Scholar (awarded a $10,000 stipend & free social work trainings) - Completed two years as a social work intern at Cherry Hospital Future Plans: I am obtaining my professional license in social work, so I will hold the title of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) once I complete all of the state requirements to become fully licensed. I am planning to work with the mental health population and provide in-person therapy and/or teletherapy. Brianna's Burton Roots Parents: Cortez Mcbennett Jr. & Kari Davis Grandparents: Kathryn (Burrell) McBennett & Cortez McBennett Great Grandparents: Ezola Burton & Johnny Burrell Great Great Grand Parents: Ira & Roberta (Smith) Burton What the Burton Family legacy means to me... "The Burton Family legacy has impacted my life in the most beautiful way. Seeing and hearing about the selfless and thoughtful acts of kindness from my family members have left such an impression on my spirit and motivated me to continue the legacy of family values, caring for others and working very diligently within the community. The Burton Family legacy has guided me on a path towards a helping profession that empowers, educates, and empathizes with others. Social work is heart work and I have been blessed enough to embody the traits that make up a social worker. I hope to carry on the Burton Family legacy and achieve all of my goals with the continued help and support of my loving family. I know that many of my ancestors were care givers whether it was by choice or not. I believe that the desire I have to work in the social work profession and to help others is deeply rooted and for this I am proud to be a part of such an inspirational, hardworking, dedicated and determined family called Burton."
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