Otis M. Smith is a name that is not widely recognized in American history, but his influence and contribution cannot be overlooked. Born in 1895 in Mississippi, Smith came from humble beginnings and worked hard to achieve great things in life. He was a lawyer, educator, businessman, and civil rights leader who devoted his life to serving his community and fighting for equality and justice for all.

Smith graduated with a law degree from Howard University in 1924 and later, went on to become the first African American to earn a master’s degree in law from the University of Michigan. In 1937, he became the first African American to be appointed as a judge in the State of Michigan, serving in the Detroit Municipal Court for four years before resigning to enter private practice. He later became a partner at a law firm, gaining great prominence in the legal community.

In addition to his legal , Smith was also a strong advocate for education. He served as a member of the Detroit Board of Education from 1945 to 1946 and later as a member of the Michigan Board of Education from 1957 to 1959. In these positions, he fought for better educational opportunities for African American students and worked to eliminate segregation in schools.

As a prominent businessman, Smith also served as the president of the National Bar Association and was a member of the board of directors of the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. His success in the business world allowed him to use his platform to fight for civil rights and against racism.

However, Smith’s biggest impact may have come when he was appointed by Michigan Governor George Romney to serve as the first African American justice on the Michigan Supreme Court in 1961. During his time on the Court, Smith fought for the rights of African Americans, ruling against discrimination in voting, housing, and employment. His most notable case was Poindexter v. Louisiana, in which he wrote a concurring opinion stating that evidence obtained through unconstitutional means must be excluded from trial, becoming one of the first judges to recognize the exclusionary rule as part of the Fourth Amendment.

Smith retired from the Supreme Court in 1966 and subsequently returned to private practice. He continued to fight for civil rights and served as a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights from 1966 to 1968. He was also active in his community, serving as a trustee of the Detroit Art Institute and the University of Michigan.

Otis M. Smith passed away in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of profound impact on the legal, educational, and civil rights landscape of Michigan and the country at large. He was a man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and equality, and his impact on American history cannot be overstated. As we look back on his life and work, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the fight for what is right.

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