Blanche L. McSmith facts for kids

Blanche Louise Preston McSmith (born May 5, 1920 – died July 28, 2006) was an important African-American leader. She was a civil rights activist, a businesswoman, and a politician.

McSmith was born in Marshall, Texas. She graduated from Wiley College in 1941. She earned her master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 1944. In 1949, McSmith and her husband, William McSmith, moved to Kodiak, Alaska. They then moved to Anchorage in 1950. The McSmiths owned an electronics business and worked in real estate. McSmith helped start the NAACP branch in Anchorage. In 1960, McSmith became the first African-American woman to serve in the Alaska House of Representatives. She was a member of the Democratic Party. Later, in 1972, she became a director for the Alaska Governor's office in Juneau, Alaska. McSmith died in Anchorage, Alaska.

Fighting for Equal Rights

In 1951, Blanche McSmith helped start the Anchorage, Alaska, branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group worked hard to fight unfair treatment and discrimination across Alaska.

Standing Up at the Pagoda Restaurant

McSmith was one of four Black civil rights activists who held a sit-in in the early 1950s. This happened at the Pagoda restaurant in Anchorage. The restaurant was known for not serving African-Americans. On June 8, 1953, the four people went into the restaurant. They waited to be seated, but the staff ignored them. White customers were seated right away.

The group later filed charges against the restaurant. This was because the restaurant's actions broke Alaska's Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. Even though the law was on their side, they lost the case in court.

Fighting Housing Discrimination

McSmith and the NAACP also worked to stop unfair housing practices. Many housing rules at the time said only "White or Caucasian" people could live in certain areas. These rules were not legal, but real estate agents and builders often followed them.

McSmith also worked as an editor for The Alaska Spotlight. This was Alaska's first newspaper for African Americans. The newspaper was published from 1952 until about 1968.

Serving in the Alaska Legislature

McSmith was the president of the NAACP in 1959. That same year, Governor William Egan chose her to fill an empty seat. This seat was in the 10th District of the Alaska House of Representatives. Her appointment was even mentioned in Jet Magazine, a national publication for African Americans.

She ran for the same seat in 1962 but did not win. It was not until 1990 that another African-American woman served in the Alaska state legislature.

While she was in office, McSmith suggested the first bill to create an Alaska Civil Rights Commission. In 1963, Governor Egan officially started the State Commission for Human Rights.

She also proposed a fair housing law during her time in the legislature. This law did not pass at first. However, in 1967, a similar law was approved in Anchorage with her support. But this law did not stop discrimination in lending money for homes. This continued to make it hard for Black residents to get better housing. McSmith once said, "There's no freedom in being able to buy a house, but not financing it."

In 1972, McSmith moved to Juneau. She became the Public Employment Program Director for Governor William Egan's office. There, she strongly supported efforts to end unfair treatment in jobs.

Business and Community Work

McSmith co-owned McSmith Enterprises with her husband. Their business included a TV and appliance store, real estate, and a liquor store.

She was also involved in many community groups. She was on the board for the Greater Anchorage Area Community Action Agency. She was also the Social Services Manager for the local Head Start Program. McSmith helped organize the African American Historical Society of Alaska. She was also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Early Life and Education

Blanche Louise Preston was born on May 5, 1920, in Marshall, Texas. Her father, William A. Preston, was a school principal and a Baptist minister. He spoke out against racism. Her mother, Myrtle O. Butte Preston, was a teacher. Blanche was one of three children.

In 1941, she earned her bachelor's degree from Wiley College. This is a historic Black college in Marshall, Texas. She then earned a master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 1944.

Preston married William McSmith in 1949. He was an electrical engineer and businessman from Los Angeles. Later that year, William got a federal job in Kodiak, Alaska. Blanche soon followed him. In 1950, they moved to and settled in Anchorage, which was the largest city in Alaska at the time.

In Anchorage, she became interested in real estate. She became the first Black realtor in Alaska. She also supported Alaska becoming a state. She flew to Washington D.C. with other Alaskans to talk to Congress and government officials.

McSmith had one daughter, Kymberly, and one grandson, Teedy.

Awards

Blanche McSmith received several important awards. She was given the Black Caucus Pioneer Award. She also received the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Human Relations and Community Service Award. Her hometown of Marshall, Texas, added her name to the Harrison County Museum's Wall of Distinction.