Marie Smith (activist) facts for kids
Marie Smith (1898–1991) was an important activist in Portland, Oregon. She helped start the Oregon Association of Colored Women's Clubs. She was also the first woman to lead the Portland chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Marie Smith's Early Life
Marie Smith was born in Paris, Texas, in 1898. In 1910, she moved to Toppenish, Washington, to live with her father. Her grandfathers had been enslaved people. Her father worked for the railway as a janitor, baggage handler, and mailman.
On July 5, 1917, Marie married Elwood Smith in Spokane, Washington. A few weeks later, they moved to Portland. They first lived in southeast Woodstock.
When they moved to a different neighborhood in northeast Portland, they faced unfair treatment. Some neighbors signed a petition asking them to leave because of their race. This was a type of housing discrimination.
Fighting for Fairness
Marie and Elwood Smith moved to Portland in 1917. Elwood worked as a Pullman porter, which meant he helped passengers on trains. His job earned enough money for Marie to spend her time working for important causes.
Marie Smith joined many groups that worked for civil rights and equality. She was part of the Model Cities Task Force. She also joined the Urban League of Portland and the Interracial Fellowship. She was a member of the Interracial Relations Committee, which was set up by Portland city leaders.
She helped create the Oregon Association of Colored Women's Clubs. This group worked to improve the lives of African American women. Marie also became the first female president of the Portland Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She served in this role from 1949 to 1950.
Marie started working with the YWCA Portland branch soon after arriving in Portland. She became the first African American woman to join their Board of Directors. This was a big step for equality.
In 1953, Marie Smith was present at the signing of the Oregon Civil Rights Bill. This bill helped make sure everyone had equal rights in Oregon.
Awards and Recognition
Marie Smith received many awards for her hard work. She was the first woman to get the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission Russell Peyton Award. In 1950, she was named Portland's First Negro Citizen of the Year.
In 1976, Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt honored her by declaring a "Marie Smith Day." This day celebrated her contributions to the community. Marie was also the president of the Portland Literary Research Club.
Marie Smith passed away in Portland on June 18, 1991. Her legacy of fighting for civil rights continues to inspire many.
