Lillian Smith
Lillian Smith
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Lillian Smith was a prominent American author, social activist, and educator. Her full name is Lillian Eugenia Smith.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on June 11, 1897, in Jasper, Georgia, USA. She passed away on September 13, 1966.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Smith was an American of white European descent. Her professions included:
Author: Writing novels, essays, and non-fiction books
Social Activist: Focusing on racial issues, education, and human rights
Educator: Working as a teacher and administrator in various institutionsEarly Life and Background
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Growing up in rural Georgia during the early 20th century, Smith was exposed to the harsh realities of racism and social inequality. Her family's financial struggles and her mother's dedication to education instilled in her a strong sense of social justice.
Smith attended Brenau College (now Brenau University) before transferring to Agnes Scott College, where she graduated with a degree in English literature. She later earned a Master's degree from Columbia University.
Major Accomplishments
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Some of Smith's notable achievements include:
The Strange Fruit: Her 1937 novel about racial violence and injustice was a groundbreaking work that sparked controversy and debate.
Killers of the Dream: A collection of essays published in 1949, exploring issues like racism, segregation, and human rights.
A Southern Woman's Story: Smith's autobiography (1972) offers an intimate look at her life, experiences, and activism.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions by Lillian Smith include:
Southern Regional Council: Smith co-founded the organization with Will Alexander in 1944. The council aimed to address social issues like racism, poverty, and inequality.
NAACP involvement: She actively participated in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and supported their efforts to combat racial segregation.
Desegregation efforts: Smith was an outspoken advocate for desegregation in education and public facilities.Impact and Legacy
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Lillian Smith's tireless activism, writing, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the world. Her work helped:
Raise awareness about racism and its devastating effects.
Foster greater understanding between people of different racial backgrounds.
Encourage social change through education and advocacy.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Lillian Smith is widely quoted and remembered for her courage in speaking out against racism, her commitment to human rights, and her influential writings that continue to resonate with readers today.
Quotes by Lillian Smith
The lack of belief is a defect that ought to be concealed when it cannot be overcome.
Faith and doubt both are needed – not as antagonists, but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve.
Segregation is evil; there is no pattern of life which can dehumanize men as can the way of segregation.
Belief in Some One's right to punish you is the fate of all children in Judaic-Christian culture. But nowhere else, perhaps, have the rich seed-beds of Western homes found such a growing climate for guilt as is produced in the South by the combination of a warm moist evangelism and racial segregation.
For men tied fast to the absolute, bled of their differences, drained of their dreams by authoritarian leeches until nothing but pulp is left, become a massive, sick Thing whose sheer weight is used ruthlessly by ambitious men. Here is the real enemy of the people: our own selves dehumanized into the masses. And where is the David who can slay this giant?
The question in crisis or ordeal is not: Are you going to be an extremist? The question is: What kind of extremist are you going to be?
To find the point where hypothesis and fact meet; the delicate equilibrium between dream and reality; the place where fantasy and earthly things are metamorphosed into a work of art; the hour when faith in the future becomes knowledge of the past; to lay down one's power for others in need; to shake off the old ordeal and get ready for the new; to question, knowing that never can the full answer be found; to accept uncertainties quietly, even our incomplete knowledge of God; this is what man's journey is about, I think.
None but the weak crave to be better than. Strong men are satisfied with their own strength.