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Vernon Dahmer funeral, Jeanette Smith carrying
one of the flowers, Photo Courtesy: Mrs Jeanette Smith |
Some years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting civil rights icon Jeanette Smith of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Known for her benevolence and knowledge, she was a beautiful and wise woman. I felt as if I were listening to a local history audio book. It was a pleasure to sit with her and talk with her. She was born in Soso, Mississippi. Her late husband was Dr. C.E. Smith.
In the early 1960s, Jeanette Smith and her husband played a crucial role in the birth of the civil rights movement in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Both were elected as presidents of the Forrest County NAACP Chapter. She shared with me a story about Vernon Dahmer, a civil rights leader who was murdered in 1966.
Smith recalled a visit Dr. Martin Luther King made to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The church was so packed, she said. From wall to wall, people flocked to hear Dr. King speak. Many civil rights leaders stayed at their home, including Dr. King.Furthermore, she discussed the threats to her life and the lives of her family. Despite the gunshot fired in her home and the threats to her and her family's lives, she stood up for justice and equality. After leaving her beautiful home that evening, I hoped to sit down with her again at a later time. After my first visit, she extended many invitations, which fulfilled my wish.
Palmer Crossing and surrounding communities were the focus of many visits Walter C. Black, Sr. and I made to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Members of Muhammad's Study Circle in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, let by Min, took us around the city. Akwete Muhammad scheduled an appointment for us to meet Hattiesburg's mayor, Johny Dupree, so that we could discuss some of his constituents' housing conditions.
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Dr. Antoinette Harrell visit Mrs. Jeanette Smith
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr. |
