By Kanae Bunche
Despite the threat of being lynched, beaten, or thrown in jail Andrew J. Smitherman was persistent in his boldness to tell the account of history that was buried deep in the disgraceful archives of America’s dirty laundry. Hidden atrocities that were always remembered through the mental scars imprinted in the memories of African Americans have finally been brought to the light. Smitherman's exceptional journalism is to thank for saving history that was almost forgotten. His advocacy for the natural rights of African Americans was shown not just through his words but his actions as well.
“Smitherman was the first African-American newspaper editor and publisher to produce a long-running daily in the state of Oklahoma” (Magliulo 2010). To become the first African-American to have a voice in a southern state was no walk in the park, the challenge of getting to Smitherman's position was just the beginning. To be the first meant he had a responsibility to represent a community of people who have been misrepresented in media platforms since America was brought about. Smitherman had a responsibility that he most definitely fulfilled. Smitherman has an incredible resume regarding his dedication to injustice.
Smitherman's expertise did not stop at journalism but it was shown in his application of the law. With the knowledge of the law, he embarked on the task of fighting against the “guardianship racket”. This was a time when particular whites were attempting to obtain possession of land with oil that was owned by the Native Americans and Freedmen (Kirst 2020). Smitherman was able to retain about hundred of millions of dollars for Native Americans and Freedmen.
Smitherman did not stop there; he also contributed greatly to the diversity of politics within the African-American community. Smitherman wanted to inform his fellow black- American citizens about political awareness. He encouraged that the black community should “diversify” their votes instead of voting based on loyalty to the Abraham Lincoln republican party who did not earn their votes (Williams). This was key in preventing the black community from being manipulated by political parties, based on a “favor” given to them, when in all actuality it should not have been seen as a favor but more of a necessity.
On May 31st, 1921 planes flew from the sky and dropped bombs on innocent civilians while young men women, and children were being dragged outside of their homes and shot to death while Smitherman was on the front line defending his town and his family was trying to escape a burning building (Martin 2021). This massacre took place in Tulsa Oklahoma and was survived by Smitherman who ensured that this catastrophe was recorded in history. Although this massacre is not recognized by the masses, Smitherman's reporting has helped us remember the many lives, businesses, and successes that were destroyed in all but a day, without any compensation of any type. Smitherman refused to allow such devastating experience to discourage him from his passion but instead used this anger and discontent as fuel to further his career in Buffalo, New York.
Smitherman sacrificed his life for the betterment of the African American community, fearless is the best name to describe his many accomplishments. There is nothing more inspiring to see the outstanding commitment for change that would not yet come until years after. With such limited resources, he did not submit to a victim mentality but accepted a victor mentality. Smitherman did not allow obstacles in his life that had the potential to end his life short, preventing him from fulfilling a greater purpose. His story is a motivation for people who have felt as if life has given them the shorter end of the stick, to remember that they still have value and purpose bigger than themselves.
Smitherman's work speaks today after 100 years, this is a testament to the power of journalism, it demonstrates how vital it is for journalists to take their job seriously because of what is on the line. Smitherman’s career created a foundation for future black journalists to follow in his footsteps in changing the common narratives of the characteristics of black Americans. Smitherman inspires others to write pieces that will be talked about 100 years later, which revolves around writing with passion, true purpose. Smitherman was a walking example of the power of words allowing someone to speak without them ever saying a word. The heritage of Andrew J Smitherman will forever be remembered. Smitherman has a gift to look towards the future even when the present had brought so much distress.
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