Born in 1886, Bessie Owen's name has become synonymous with black history and children's education in Bakersfield.

In 1918, she accepted a starting salary of $850 a year and became the first black teacher in East Chicago.

She retired at the age of 64, and subsequently moved to Bakersfield. "I came here with the intention of opening a gift shop," said Ms. Owens at her 96th birthday celebration.

At age 68, however, she returned to the classroom. "One day they asked me if I would take a look at the school system of Bakersfield," she stated.

Ms. Owens taught at Potomac School for seven years until her second retirement in 1963. The school, later renamed in her honor, offers a "GATE" program.

Her second retirement was short lived as well. She taught at both Baker School and Casa Loma School between 1963 and 1967 before retiring again just shy of her 80th birthday.

She was considered an institution in southeast Bakersfield.

Her 100th birthday celebration in 1986, was an historic local event.

"I love the school system," she said. "It has meant so much to me. I love Bakersfield and above all I love the children."