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Edythe Brody (Bassett) was born in the small town of LaCenter Kentucky. Several years later, Edythe's family made a brief stop in Illinois before settling, in Cleveland Ohio. She finished her primary education at John Hay High School where she graduated in 1950. During this time frame, opportunities for minorities were slim and even less than that if you were female. Mrs. Bassett however was no ordinary young woman. In 1952 she became the very first African-American to ever enroll in and graduate from Radiology school in Cleveland Ohio. The school has previously stated that they were unable to locate any qualified black people and so the NAACP recommended Edythe. Upon graduation she was informed that employment was unlikely for her in this field and her response to them was that times were changing and that when opportunity called she would indeed be ready.
Within a year Edythe breathed life into her words and was working as an X-Ray Technician. In 1954 the field of nuclear medicine was formally introduced. The following year she became the first African American in Cleveland, male or female to work as technician in the nuclear medicine field. She remained in this field for 24 years before leaving due to health reasons, with the title of Active Chief Technician of Nuclear Medicine. She also served as the first African American secretary for the International Society of Nuclear Medical Technicians.
While in Cleveland Mrs. Bassett was introduced to the political process. She actively worked on the campaign of Mr. Carl Stokes who was elected as the first African American Mayor of Cleveland. A few years later she wanted to join Toastmistress, also known as Toastmasters, but the organization did not accept African American members. True to form Mrs. Bassett joined together with others and created the first black chapter in Cleveland. Edythe was never hesitant to explore unchartered waters. In 1972-73 she was profiled in the Who's Who of American Women. This was the same issue that profiled Jacqueline Kennedy.
In 1973 Edythe moved to Los Angeles where she immediately formed the 47th Street Block club. In 1973 her residence fell under the boundaries of Southwest Division. Mrs. Bassett formed a strong partnership with city government and with the Los Angeles Police Department annually treating the officers by serving them breakfast and hosting barbeques. She remained the active captain of the block club for approximately 18 years. During this time she organized the community in an effort to rid it of the elements which seeks to destroy her neighborhood. With the help of LAPD and other agencies, the 47th Street Block club managed to assist in closing a laundymat, recycling center and hotel where drugs, prostitution, and other criminal activities were taking place.
In addition they took the local liquor store owner to court which resulted in the imposing of stipulations which forced them to run a clean business. Mrs. Bassett doesn't just talk about change; she has always been in the forefront of change.
Edythe Bassett has attended C-PAB meetings at 77th Street Division since its inception but did not formally join until the following year 1979 after first having to graduate from the Community Police Academy, which of course she did. In the last decade Mrs. Bassett took over the role as lead organizer for Officer Appreciation Day at 77th Division. Over the years she has also served as block club liaison to both City Council Districts 8 and 9 and to former Mayor Riordan.
What is perhaps most remarkable is that with all of her above accomplishments Edythe managed to have a normal family life. Edythe was initially married to Mr. Alver Buford for 12 years and has two sons from that union. Mr. Buford later passed on. Some time later Edythe met and married her current husband of 23 years Henry Bassett and reared two step children from this union. Mrs. Bassett is best known as a terrific “down home” cook and an active member of her church having sang many years in the choir. She has operated several businesses from her home most notably flower arrangement and corsages. In short Mrs. Edythe Bassett has spent her life as a responsible adult, serving others, rearing a productive family, and contributing to a better tomorrow. For all of these things we thank her and pay her a well deserved tribute.
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south bureau 
