Lillian Smith

Date of Birth: December 12, 1897

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 28, 1966

Biography

Lillian Smith was a pioneering American novelist and social critic who was born on December 12, 1897, in Jasper, Florida. She is best known for her outspoken views on social justice and her critical stance on segregation and racism in the American South. Her most famous work, “Strange Fruit,” published in 1944, was a groundbreaking novel that confronted the complexities of interracial relationships in a deeply segregated society. Throughout her career, Smith used her writing to challenge and expose the social inequities of her time. Smith was not only a novelist but also an educator and lecturer. She co-directed the Laurel Falls Camp, an experimental educational camp for girls, with her lifelong partner, Paula Snelling. The camp became a hub for progressive ideas and discussions on race, gender, and education. In addition to her novels, Smith wrote numerous essays and articles advocating for civil rights and social reform. She passed away on September 28, 1966, in Atlanta, Georgia, but her legacy continues to influence discussions on race and social justice.

5 Interesting Facts about Lillian Smith

1. Lillian Smith was one of the first prominent white Southerners to speak out against racial segregation.

2. Her novel “Strange Fruit” was banned in Boston and Detroit due to its controversial subject matter.

3. Smith co-founded and edited the literary magazine “South Today,” which focused on social and political issues in the South.

4. She received the Charles S. Johnson Award for her contributions to the literature of social protest.

5. Smith’s autobiography, “Killers of the Dream,” is considered a seminal work in American social criticism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lillian Smith

1. “When you stop learning, stop listening, stop looking and asking questions, always new questions, then it is time to die.”

2. “What is essential is to realize that the War on Poverty is not only a war to end poverty but also a war to end prejudice.”

3. “Race is a myth… and the myth that our identity is determined by the color of our skin should be challenged.”

4. “The human mind cannot be confined within a cage. Every mind is a world in itself, and every individual is unique.”

5. “To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Lillian Smith’s highest net worth achieved was modest compared to contemporary standards, estimated at around $500,000 at the peak of her career.

Children

Lillian Smith did not have any biological children. However, through her work at Laurel Falls Camp, she mentored many young girls, influencing their lives and shaping their views on social justice and equality.