A. Maceo Smith

A. Maceo Smith

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Name	A. Maceo Smith
Birth name
Birth date	April 16, 1903
Birth place	Texarkana, Texas, United States
Death date	November 22, 1977
Death place	Dallas, Texas, United States
Alma mater
Occupation	Educator, Civil Rights Leader
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Antonio Maceo Smith (April 16, 1903 – November 22, 1977) was a prominent African American educator, civil rights leader, and advocate for economic development in the African American community. He played a significant role in the civil rights movement in Texas and was instrumental in the desegregation of schools and public facilities.

Early Life and Education

A. Maceo Smith was born in Texarkana, Texas, and was named after the Cuban revolutionary leader Antonio Maceo. He attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later pursued graduate studies at New York University and the University of Michigan.

Career

Smith began his career as an educator, teaching at various schools in Texas. He was deeply committed to improving educational opportunities for African Americans and worked tirelessly to promote equality in education.

In addition to his work in education, Smith was a key figure in the civil rights movement. He served as the regional director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the Southwest, where he organized campaigns to challenge segregation and discrimination.

Civil Rights Activism

A. Maceo Smith was a leader in the fight for civil rights in Texas. He was involved in numerous initiatives to desegregate schools and public facilities. His efforts contributed to the landmark decision in the case of Sweatt v. Painter, which challenged the "separate but equal" doctrine and paved the way for the Brown v. Board of Education decision.

Smith also worked to improve economic opportunities for African Americans. He was a founding member of the Dallas Negro Chamber of Commerce, which later became the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce.

Legacy

A. Maceo Smith's contributions to civil rights and education have left a lasting impact. In recognition of his work, several schools and public buildings have been named in his honor, including the A. Maceo Smith New Tech High School in Dallas.

Also see

• Civil rights movement
• NAACP
• Sweatt v. Painter
• Brown v. Board of Education
• Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce