Fraser Smith's Anonymous Heroes

Fraser Smith is a well-respected journalist who has worked in his field for more than 30 years. He grew up in North Carolina and joined the Air Force, but soon found out that a military career wasn't right for him. He is currently the senior news director for Baltimore's own news radio, WYPR-FM, and also hosts his own 10 minute segment, "Inside Maryland Politics," three days a week. His work has earned him many honors over the course of his career from various organizations in different states, including recognition from the Press Associations of Maryland and Delaware. His success has made him perfectly qualified to report on the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement.

Smith's passion for the truth led him to write the book, Here Lies Jim Crow. This narrative explores the work of an unheard of group of civil rights activists in Maryland. Their inspiring accounts of small victories and state-wide triumphs triggered in Smith a need for their stories to be told. At the time of the civil rights movement, the media focused mostly on Alabama, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other prominent civil rights leaders were working. Those who did what they could in their own hometowns seemed to be left out and eventually forgotten. In an effort to recognize those who humbly dealt with the injustices of their time, and to inform the citizens of our country today, Smith has taken to giving speeches at various locations around the state. Notre Dame was fortunate enough to host Smith's lecture, Anonymous Heroes: Civil Rights in Maryland for two days. In his talk, he discussed some of the people who were integral in the desegregation of Maryland schools.

One of those mentioned was former Baltimore circuit court judge, Eugene O'Dunne. O'Dunne believed strongly in human rights, and constantly made rulings against the Plessey vs. Ferguson case which stated that separate could be equal. His rulings were very important precursors to the decision made in Brown vs. Board of Education, which stated that separate is inherently unequal. He even worked to break down societal barriers, by inviting whites and blacks alike to his house at the same gathering. Also mentioned was a man named William H. Hart, who refused to give up his seat on a Baltimore railroad train 50 years before Rosa Parks.

The cover of his book boasts an unrelenting Gloria Sherman, who refused to give in, even in the face of danger. She pushed away the gun from a policeman, as if it was the last thing on her mind. Smith told how Sherman never smiled, as it was a sign of submission. The good deeds of individuals were overshadowed by larger organizations like the NAACP. Our very own Elizabeth Morrissy, for whom the Morrissy Honors Program at Notre Dame was named, once voted against segregation. There are countless other stories about the everyday people of the movement, including men and women, children and adults.

The lecture concluded with a thought-provoking question and answer session. Our discussion led to the present state of our country. It seemed we all agreed that we do not live in a post-racial nation, although we have elected a black president. With Fraser Smith as our mediator, we were able to hold a civil discussion. One of his central points concerned civility. We all have to work together and stop looking for differences in order to move forward. The lecture forced us all to think of what small things we could do to effect progress in our society. We don't need press coverage or a huge following to make a difference. It all starts within ourselves.