Burns, Leonard, 1922-2008

Dates

• Existence: 1922 - 2008

Biographical Note

Leonard Burns (1922-2008), African American doctor, business owner, and community activist

Leonard Burns was born January 10, 1922, in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from Xavier Prep High School Burns joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and served until 1946. Burns was awarded a Bronze Star for his achievements while serving with the Marines. Burns received a B.A. from Xavier University in 1947 and then went on to Temple University where he earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 1951. Burns then moved back to New Orleans and opened his own private medical practice. In response to the growing number of African American travelers to New Orleans, Dr. Burns opened the Four Corners Travel Agency in 1963. It was Louisiana’s first African American owned travel agency. Burns was also active within the community and he served several different organizations in various capacities. Burns was on the board of directors for the NAACP from 1963-1966, he was the President of the Louisiana Tourist Development Commission in 1969, and from 1974-1978 served as the President of the InterAmerican Travel Agents Society. Burns was honored with several awards throughout his life and career, including a Man of the Year honor from the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Temple University, and the Small Business Council Champion award in 1985 by the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. Burns had three children with his wife Phyllis Charbonnet, and they lived in New Orleans up until Hurricane Katrina forced them to leave the area in 2005. Dr. Burns passed away in Dallas, Texas in 2008.

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