Cindy Bass

On this Father’s Day weekend, I had the honor of joining the Brickyard community to officially dedicate Herbert Drum” Burch Way.

This street renaming is about more than a sign. It is about honoring a man whose life embodied service, loyalty, leadership, and love for his community.

Uncle Drum was the kind of man every neighborhood needs. He showed up. He looked out for others. He mentored young people. He stood by his neighbors. He believed in Brickyard and worked every day to make it stronger.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, I cannot help but think about the example he set. Far too often, we overlook the positive contributions of Black men in our communities. Men who raise families, mentor children, care for elders, protect their neighborhoods, and quietly carry entire communities on their backs.

Uncle Drum was one of those men.

He was a proud member of the 7Gs and a respected leader whose impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Today, his name is permanently etched into the neighborhood he loved. Tomorrow, his legacy will continue through the people he inspired.

To the Burch family, the 7Gs, and the entire Brickyard community, thank you for allowing me to share in this special moment.

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, grandfathers, mentors, and positive male role models throughout the 8th District, and beyond. May we continue to honor and uplift the men who help hold our families and communities together.

Congratulations to the family of Herbert “Drum” Burch. His legacy lives on.