Houston has lost a pillar of its community with the death of Judge Zinetta Burney at the age of 83. Notable for her role as a trailblazer in both the legal and social arenas, Burney's legacy is marked by her relentless dedication to justice and community service. The Houston Chronicle reports that Burney passed away yesterday.
Burney began her professional journey by co-founding the first African American female law firm in the U.S. alongside "The Sisters in Law," a testament to her commitment to representation and access to legal services. Her tireless efforts extended beyond normal business hours, serving the underserved Acres Home community in Houston. "She represented a lot of people who did not have the money to pay her," fellow attorney Algenita Scott Davis told The Houston Chronicle.
Burney's storied career included serving as the presiding judge of Harris County Justice of the Peace Court, along with notable positions on Boards such as the Housing Authority of the city of Houston and the University of Houston Board of Regents. KHOU shared a statement from Mayor John Whitmire, expressing sadness over Burney's passing and appreciation for her civic contributions.
Burney passed her judicial robes to her daughter, Sharon, also a judge, during a ceremony in 2019 at Emancipation Park. This act reinforced her belief in paving the road for future generations. Speaking on Burney's enduring influence, former U.S. district judge Vanessa Gilmore told The Houston Chronicle, "That's part of the legacy that she leaves behind, that she understood that it was her responsibility to make a way for young people."
