1924-1966
Bessie Lanier Smith was prominent in the Clinton Hill anti-poverty activities with United Community Corporation and as a community leader in Clinton Hill. She was first president of the area UCC leader board for Clinton Hill (Area Board 3) also known as People’s Action Group.
Before UCC came to Newark, Bessie and her husband Thurman helped found the Newark Community Union Project (NCUP) with the Students for a Democratic Society.
The Newark News called her “an outspoken advocate of greater representation of the poor” in the UCC program. Phil Hutchings, NCUP member and national chairman of SNCC, said that Bessie Smith “was our version of Fannie Lou Hamer.”
Bessie was also secretary of the Newark Legal Services Project and a trustee of United Community Corporation.
She was elected an assistant treasurer of UCC hours before her death at 42. Mayor Hugh Addonizio said, “Although we could not always agree she was a person who demonstrated true community leadership and helped many persons participate in city affairs who had never taken part before.”
Bessie was born in Virginia and graduated Arts High in 1942 with a major in music and sang at graduation. She lived at 61 Hillside Ave.
A community center in Clinton Hill was named in her honor.
Bibliography
“Mrs. Smith’s Rites Monday” Newark News June 18 1966
Cummings, Charles, “From Church to State, African-Americans Left Their Imprint” Star Ledger Feb 4, 1999
“Dies Hours After Getting Newark Poverty Post” Star Ledger Jun 18, 1966
“Ten groups named” Star Ledger May 17, 1968
“Newark Gives 1203 Diplomas” Newark News Jan 21, 1943