Born: 1831 (New York City)
Died: 1922
Biography:
Eliza Ann Gardner (May 28, 1831 – January 4, 1922) was an African-American abolitionist, religious leader, and women’s movement leader from Boston, Massachusetts. She was a prominent figure in the fight against slavery, a champion for women’s rights, and a driving force in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ) and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs.
Eliza Ann Gardner was born in New York City to James and Eliza Gardner. At a young age, her family moved to Boston, where her father had a successful career as a ship contractor. Living in the West End neighborhood, which was a hub of Boston’s African-American community and the abolitionist movement, she grew up surrounded by the activism and dedication to justice. The Gardner family home on North Anderson Street was even a stop on the Underground Railroad. Furthermore, Eliza Ann Gardner was a relative of the renowned civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois.
Despite the limited opportunities for black women at the time, Gardner excelled academically, winning several scholarships. However, due to the prevailing societal constraints, she chose to train as a dressmaker. In addition to her craft, Gardner became deeply involved in her church and the anti-slavery movement, working alongside influential figures such as Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Wendell Phillips.
Gardner’s passion for education and spirituality led her to teach Sunday school for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion church. Over time, she rose to become Boston’s Sunday school superintendent, demonstrating her commitment to instilling religious values and knowledge in the community. It was in 1876 that she founded the Zion Missionary Society in New England, aiming to raise funds to send missionaries to Africa. Recognized as the mother of the organization, the society later became known nationally as the Ladies’ Home and Foreign Missionary Society.
In 1884, Gardner faced considerable opposition to her fundraising efforts from members of the male-dominated AMEZ Church. They objected to the creation of a women’s society, challenging the role of women within the church. However, Gardner fearlessly defended the rights of women, asserting her belief in equality and standing up against oppressive views. At the quadrennial conference of the AMEZ Church, she eloquently proclaimed, I come from Old Massachusetts, where we have declared that all, not only men, but women, too, are created free and equal. Her impassioned words resonated with many, and she successfully defended the rightful place of women in the church.
Eliza Ann Gardner also played a pivotal role in advocating for the ordination of women as ministers within the AMEZ Church. She urged the church to recognize and strengthen women’s efforts, calling for their empowerment and acknowledging them as a powerful force. As a result of her tireless efforts, the AMEZ Church eventually allowed women to be ordained, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes.
Throughout her life, Gardner remained steadfast in her commitment to women’s rights, racial equality, and social justice. In 1895, at a time when female chaplains were a rarity, she served as the chaplain of…