Sam Smith (American politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sam Smith
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 37th district
In office 1959–1969
Personal details
Born	July 23, 1922 Gibsland, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	November 16, 1995(1995-11-16) (aged 73) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Citizenship	United States
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Marion King (d. 1991)
Alma mater	Seattle University University of Washington
Occupation	Politician

Samuel J. Smith (born July 23, 1922 – died November 16, 1995) was an important American politician. He served in the government of Washington state and later on the city council of Seattle. He made history as the first African-American person to become a Seattle city councilman.

Early Life and Education

Sam Smith was born on July 23, 1922, in a town called Gibsland, Louisiana. His father was a minister. During World War II, Sam Smith served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Seattle, Washington in 1942. After his time in the army, he decided to make Seattle his home.

He continued his education, earning degrees from two universities in Seattle. In 1951, he graduated from Seattle University with a degree in social science. The next year, in 1952, he earned a degree in economics from the University of Washington. After finishing his studies, he began working for the Boeing Company.

A Career in Politics

In 1958, Sam Smith decided to run for a position in the Washington House of Representatives. This is a group of elected officials who help make laws for the state of Washington. He won his election, becoming one of the first African-American people to serve in the state legislature.

One of the first things he did as a lawmaker was to suggest a new rule. This rule would make it illegal to treat people unfairly when they wanted to rent or buy a home because of their race or religion. This important rule eventually became a law during his last term.

Sam Smith was re-elected three more times, serving in the state legislature until 1967. Then, he decided to run for a seat on the Seattle City Council. The city council helps make decisions for the city of Seattle. He won this election and continued to serve on the council until 1991.

During his time on the city council, Sam Smith was chosen by his fellow council members to be the president of the city council for eight years. He also ran for Mayor of Seattle four times, but he was not elected mayor.

Later Years and Legacy

Sam Smith's wife, Marion King Smith, also became involved in politics. In 1970, she ran for the same seat in the state legislature that her husband used to hold. However, she did not win her election.

In his later years, Sam Smith faced some health challenges. He passed away at his home in Seattle on November 16, 1995, when he was 73 years old. Today, a park in Seattle is named after him, honoring his many years of public service.

See also

• William Owen Bush - first African-American elected to the Washington legislature