Some legacies are carved into buildings and monuments. Others take shape through people, relationships, and daily acts of care. Mary Burlie’s legacy lives in the latter. Her name continues to resonate across Edmonton not simply because of who she was, but because of how she showed up for her community and the values she embodied every day.
The Mary Burlie “Black Angel” Society (TMBBAS) emerged as a direct continuation of that spirit. Built as a Black-led foundation, the Society began with a clear purpose: to respond to gaps affecting Black youth and families while ensuring Mary’s vision remained active, visible, and impactful long after her passing.
At the heart of the Society’s work sits a guiding belief Mary lived by wholeheartedly: meeting people where they are, with compassion and dignity. That belief continues to shape how TMBBAS designs its programs, engages its community, and defines success.
Carrying a Vision Forward Through Action
Mary Burlie was widely regarded as a pillar within her community, known for her care, generosity, and unwavering presence. TMBBAS honours that legacy through tangible initiatives that reflect the values she held dear. Central to this work are the Society’s housing programs, David’s House and Rosemount Place, which provide safe, stable housing to young men, women, and gender-diverse people.
These housing initiatives offer more than shelter. They provide consistency, safety, and a sense of being seen. Stability creates space for growth, healing, and forward movement, and that belief remains foundational to the Society’s approach.
Plans for the future build on this same commitment. In the spring of 2026, TMBBAS will launch Little Champs Community Sports, a free, non-competitive sports program designed to foster a sense of belonging, confidence, and connection among children and youth. The program combines play with mentorship and life skills training, helping young people build leadership, teamwork, and self-belief. Pathways are also created for those who hope to pursue sports at a higher level, ensuring talent and ambition are supported with guidance and opportunity.
Responding to Urgent Community Needs
At the time of the Society’s founding, Black youth and families in Edmonton faced pressing challenges. Systemic barriers limited access to safe housing, essential resources, and support systems that often felt complex and inaccessible. Many families found themselves navigating these challenges without adequate guidance or advocacy.
TMBBAS stepped in to provide both housing and hands-on support, standing alongside families as they worked through systems that were difficult to navigate alone. Advocacy became a core part of the mission, helping individuals connect with resources while ensuring their voices were heard.
Over time, the Society’s reach expanded to support families from diverse backgrounds, while remaining rooted in its original commitment to Black communities. The mission grew from addressing immediate needs to building a community where children, youth, and families feel supported, empowered, and valued. Stability and opportunity sit at the center of this work, creating conditions where people can grow with confidence.
Turning Vision Into Reality
Turning passion into meaningful programs requires action. TMBBAS embraced this truth early. The first major step was the creation of Mary Burlie Day, held annually on July 13. Officially proclaimed in 2021 by then-Mayor Don Iveson, MacEwan University, and Boyle Street Community Services, the day became a living expression of Mary’s values.
Mary Burlie Day brings the community together through joy-filled activities such as face painting, snow cones, cotton candy, petting zoos, and shared celebration. Families, elders, children, and neighbours gather in a space that reflects inclusion, warmth, and connection. The event has grown steadily over four years, becoming a cherished tradition that unites people across backgrounds and generations.
The impact of the day lies in its simplicity. Showing up, creating space, and celebrating together continue to transform vision into lived experience.
Choosing Projects With Lasting Impact
TMBBAS prioritises its work by listening closely to community voices. Conversations with residents, partners, and families help identify gaps and guide decision-making. Projects are chosen based on their ability to strengthen families, support youth, and create long-term impact.
Mary Burlie Day serves as an annual anchor, grounding the Society in its values. Housing programs, advocacy initiatives, and the upcoming Little Champs Community Sports program all reflect a focus on stability, joy, and opportunity. Each initiative aligns with Mary’s belief in compassion, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
Sustaining Trust and Community Engagement
Long-term impact depends on trust, consistency, and presence. TMBBAS maintains momentum through transparent communication, strong partnerships, and ongoing community involvement. Participation in neighbourhood safety and revitalisation efforts, including service on the Chinatown Safety Council through the Friends of Mary Burlie Park, ensures advocacy remains connected to lived realities.
Volunteers play a vital role in sustaining the Society’s work. Meaningful roles, mentorship opportunities, and public recognition foster long-term commitment and shared purpose. Storytelling, legacy-building events, and intergenerational engagement keep Mary’s impact alive while strengthening community bonds.
A Growing Legacy
Success for the Mary Burlie “Black Angel” Society means seeing Mary’s values reflected across generations. Expanded housing initiatives, deeper advocacy support, and vibrant community engagement form the foundation of future growth. The goal remains clear: to ensure no one feels unseen, unsupported, or excluded.
Mary Burlie’s story continues to live through every program, partnership, and person touched by the Society’s work. Her legacy stands as a reminder that compassion, carried forward with intention, builds communities where people thrive together.
