by Emmanuel Young
South Jersey Information Equity Project
Women’s History Month recognizes the accomplishments of women who impacted history; many people use this month to award and remember past and current examples of leadership, creativity, and education, such as Dr. Irene Hill-Smith.
Dr. Irene Hill Smith was a pioneer and a civil rights activist during the movement’s height. Born October 19, 1925, Dr. Smith began her journey learning in a small segregated classroom due to the Jim Crow laws of the time.
She later received her degree from Virginia State University. Her doctorate at Glassboro State, now known as Rowan University, began her service to the community.
She was one of the first women to assume the position of president of Gloucester County’s chapter of the NAACP from 1957 to 1963 and of New Jersey’s Conference from 1965 to 1984. She also served as a Board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Gloucester County.
She was appointed regional president of the NAACP’s Northeastern Region, which covers Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and New England. She also served on the National Board of Directors.
Dr. Hill-Smith was known throughout her community as someone who strived to improve the future of its African American residents. She was an outspoken member of the civil rights movement and organized and led many protests and groups for equality and service.
“I worked with Irene during the civil rights movement, and she was my tutor,” William Corsey III said. “I was there when they sicked the dogs on us in Woodbury.”
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