Lamar Smith (activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lamar Smith
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Lamar Smith
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| Born | 1892 |
| Died | August 13, 1955 (aged 63 years old) |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Civil rights activist; farmer; military veteran |
| Known for | Mississippi voter registration; Regional Counsel of Negro Leadership (RCNL) |
Lamar "Ditney" Smith (1892 – August 13, 1955) was an American farmer and a brave civil rights activist. He fought for the right of African Americans to vote. He was also a veteran of World War I. In 1955, he was killed in Brookhaven, Mississippi, because of his work helping people register to vote.
Fighting for Voting Rights
Lamar Smith was 63 years old and lived in Mississippi. He believed that everyone, no matter their race, should have the right to vote. At this time, many African Americans faced serious challenges when trying to register or cast their ballots.
Smith was an important member of the Regional Council of Negro Leadership (RCNL). This group worked to help African Americans gain equal rights. He spent his time encouraging and helping black citizens to register to vote.
Why Voting Was Important
Voting is a way for citizens to choose their leaders and have a say in how their community is run. During Lamar Smith's time, many laws and practices made it very hard for African Americans to vote. People like Lamar Smith worked hard to change this. They wanted to make sure everyone's voice could be heard.
What Happened to Lamar Smith?
On August 2, 1955, Lamar Smith voted in a primary election. He also helped many other people go to the polls to vote. Another election, called a run-off primary, was planned for August 23.
On August 13, Smith was at the courthouse in Brookhaven, Mississippi. He was helping other black voters fill out special forms called absentee ballots. These ballots allowed people to vote without having to go to the polling place on election day. This was important because going to the polls could be dangerous for black voters at that time.
While helping people, Lamar Smith was shot and killed. This happened in front of the courthouse around 10 in the morning. His death was a tragic event that showed the dangers faced by civil rights activists.
