BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield City School District honored the life and legacy of trailblazer Irma Carson Tuesday, remembering the 15 years she served on the Board.

During its regular meeting, the Board approved a resolution celebrating Carson’s accomplishments.

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Carson was born in 1935 and moved to Bakersfield in 1953. She was a leader in racial and gender justice, jumping into city politics in the 1970s, the resolution said.

Carson was elected to the BCSD Board of Education in 1979 and served on the board for 15 years, according to the resolution.

The resolution said Carson believed strong schools are the foundation of strong neighborhoods and championed policies supporting diversity, representation, equity and access.

“Her leadership on the Board was characterized by a deep commitment of service to others – a philosophy she embodied daily – ensuring that every child, regardless of background, had access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed,” the resolution read.

She was also the first Black policewoman with the city. She spent 20 years working in law enforcement, according to officials.

Carson served as the executive director of the Ebony Counseling Center. There, she led programs addressing substance abuse, teen pregnancy prevention and HIV/AIDS education, according to the resolution.

She also represented Ward 1 on the Bakersfield City Council for 16 years.

“Dr. Carson’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the Bakersfield community, surviving in the students she championed, the barriers she broke, and the standards of integrity she set for all public servants,” the resolution said.

Carson passed Jan. 9 at the age of 90. Funeral services were held Jan. 23.

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