Layle Lane facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Layle Lane
Layle Lane, from a 1926 publication
Born	November 27, 1893 Marietta, Georgia, US
Died	February 2, 1976 Cuernavaca, Mexico
Occupation	Teacher, civil rights activist, politician, labor leader

Layle Lane (born November 27, 1893 – died February 2, 1976) was an important American teacher and a champion for civil rights. She worked hard to make things fair for everyone.

Early Life and Moving On

Layle Lane was born in Marietta, Georgia, in 1893. Her father, Calvin Lane, was a minister, and her mother, Alice Virginia Clark Lane, was a teacher. Layle was their fourth child.

Her family had to leave Georgia because of dangers they faced due to their race. They moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, and then three years later to Vineland, New Jersey. In Vineland, Layle went to Vineland High School. She made history there as the first Black student to graduate from the school. Layle Lane never married. She passed away in 1976 in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Her Path to Education

Layle Lane was very dedicated to learning. She graduated from Howard University in 1916. After college, she wanted to become a teacher in a New York public school. However, it was hard for her to get a job, likely because of unfair treatment at the time.

So, Layle went back to school. She earned a second college degree from Hunter College. Later, she received her master's degree from Columbia University. She used her education to help others throughout her life.

A Career of Helping Others

Layle Lane became a high school teacher, teaching social studies in New York. But her work didn't stop in the classroom. She was very active in fighting for what was right. She joined many protests for the rights of African Americans and for workers' rights.

Fighting for Teachers' Rights

Layle was one of the first members of the Teachers Union. Later, she joined the Teachers Guild. She even served on the executive board of the Teachers Guild, helping to lead the group.

A Leader for Change

Layle Lane achieved a big milestone when she was elected as the first Black female vice president of the American Federation of Teachers. This was a very important role.

She also ran for public office five times as a candidate for the Socialist Party. Three of those times, she ran for Congress, showing her strong belief in making changes through politics.

Helping Rural Schools and Marches

Layle Lane was part of the National Committee for Rural Schools. She helped make sure that schools in the countryside got the support they needed.

She also played a key role in planning and organizing the famous March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1941. This march was a big event that helped bring attention to civil rights issues.

A Summer Camp for Kids

Layle Lane cared deeply about children. She ran a summer camp on her farm in Pennsylvania. This camp was special because it was for Black children from the inner-city who didn't have much money. She gave them a safe and fun place to spend their summers.