Leila Gardner

Feb 23, 2022

in 1870-1889 (Born), African Americans, Immigrant (born outside the Continental US), Phyllis Wheatley Society, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

1914-1993

Leila Gardner was executive director of the Newark Traveler’s Aid Society. She was the first African-American in the nation to head a Travelers Aid unit. She later worked for Family Services as a social worker for many years. The unit helped vulnerable travelers like children, immigrants and senior citizens at Newark Penn Station and elsewhere in Newark. For example, they made sure no children traveled alone without checking in with Traveler’s Aid.

Leila was born in Jamaica and moved to Newark as a child, according to Charles F. Cummings, but evidence could only be found that she lived in New York City. Later she lived in Montclair, for 60+ years.

Leila came to America around 1923. She was a recreation teacher and worked in Alaska and New Guinea during WWII as a Recreation Director for the Red Cross. She graduated Talledega College and earned a MSW from Columbia School of Social Work. She was also active in the Phyllis Wheatley Society.