A. Maceo Smith facts for kids

Antonio Maceo Smith (born April 16, 1903 – died December 19, 1977) was a very important leader in the fight for civil rights in Dallas, Texas. He worked for many years with groups like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Because of his hard work, people in Texas called him "Mr. Civil Rights" and "Mr. Organization." He helped make big changes for equal rights.

Early Life and Learning

Antonio Maceo Smith was born in Texarkana, Texas. When he was growing up, schools were segregated. This meant Black and white students went to separate schools. His parents were Howell and Winnie Smith.

In 1924, Smith graduated from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. This was a historically Black university, which means it was founded to educate Black students during a time when they were often excluded from other schools. Fisk University honored him as their Alumnus of the Year in 1949. Smith continued his education, earning a master's degree in business from New York University in 1928. He also earned more master's degrees in economics and business law from Columbia University.

Working Life and Public Service

Antonio Maceo Smith first owned an advertising company in New York City. Later, he had a real estate business in Texarkana. In 1932, he moved to Dallas. There, he taught business classes in the Dallas public schools, which were also segregated at the time. He also started a weekly newspaper for Black communities called the Dallas Express.

In 1933, Smith became the first leader of the Dallas Negro Chamber of Commerce. In this role, he led efforts to help people register to vote. In 1936, he helped organize the Hall of Negro Life at the Texas Centennial Exposition. This was a special exhibit that showed the achievements of Black Americans. Later that year, he married Fannie Fletcher.

Smith then shifted from owning businesses to working for the public. In 1937, he started working for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This government agency helps people get homes. In 1939, he became an advisor for the United States Housing Authority. He continued to work for the government, eventually becoming an assistant administrator for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. He retired from public service in 1972.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Smith worked hard to end the "white primary" system in Texas. This system stopped non-white people from voting in important primary elections. His efforts led to a major decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1944, called Smith v. Allwright. This ruling made white primaries illegal across the country.

Smith also fought against segregated schools. He was part of a legal campaign that led to the 1950 Supreme Court case Sweatt v. Painter. This case helped set the stage for the even more famous 1954 case, Brown v. Board of Education. Brown v. Board of Education declared that separate schools for Black and white students were unconstitutional.

Smith also helped lead the effort to desegregate Dallas. He co-chaired the Biracial Committee for the City of Dallas. From 1953 to 1957, he served on the national board of directors for the NAACP. He was also a leader in many other important groups, including the Texas State Negro Chamber of Commerce, the Dallas Urban League, and the Rotary Club of Dallas. He was also active in his church and at Bishop College.

His Legacy in Dallas

Antonio Maceo Smith's impact is still seen in Dallas today. The A. Maceo Smith High School building and the A. Maceo Smith Federal Building are both named after him. The high school he was originally named for has changed. Now, Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy at A. Maceo Smith uses the former Smith campus.

See also

• History of the African Americans in Dallas-Fort Worth