Roslyn Alice Burks was born in New York City on January 13, 1951. She was a lifelong New Yorker who taught for many years in the New York City Public School System. Roslyn’s interest in education began early; she received her undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Mills College, and she went on to earn two Masters in special education, one from NYU and the other from Columbia. While at Columbia, Roslyn was inducted as a member of Phi Kappa Delta. She was also a recipient of a Health, Education, and Welfare Fellowship (1972) and an Outstanding Young Women of America Award (1987). When not in the classroom (and after she retired), Roslyn volunteered her time with several civic organizations. She was a member of the Manhattan Urban League, the Coalition of 100 Black Women, and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. She also helped with fundraising for the Starlight Foundation and served on the Board of Directors of the Nanette Bearden Contemporary Dance Company. Roslyn is survived by her husband, Lamon Fenner; her sister, Juanita Burks; a niece, Natasha Burks, and a nephew, Gyasi Burks-Abbott.
