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Bill Smith papers

 Collection
Collection number: ahc.MSS735f

Scope and Content

This collection contains materials relating to the life and work of Atlanta gay rights activist, Bill Smith. Materials include correspondence with his friend, Diane Hughes, one flier for an event sponsored by the Atlanta Lesbian Feminist Alliance, and fliers and a newsletter from local activists memorializing Smith's death in 1980. Of particular note is a letter written by the executive director of the Atlanta Community Relations Commission addressing Smith's work in the community and his death, and articles about LGBT Atlanta.

Dates

  • 1970-1980

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. All requests to publish, quote, or reproduce must be submitted through the Kenan Research Center.

Administrative/Biographical History

William (Bill) E. Smith (1948-1980) was a prominent Atlanta gay rights activist in the 1960's-1970's. His achivements include ten years of activism, advocating for human rights, and against police brutality and discrimination on the basis of race, sex, or sexual orientation. Smith also served on the executive commitee of the Atlanta Community Relations Commission; helped organize the Georgia Gay Liberation Front (incorporated 1971); and served on the boards of the National Gay Task Force and the Atlanta American Civil Liberties Union. He helped organize Atlanta's first offical Gay Pride Day (1972), and founded Georgia's first gay newspaper, The Barb, in 1974.

Extent

1 folder(s)

Language

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift, 2008

Description Control

This collection was processed in 2017.

Title
Bill Smith papers
Author
Kelley Warrington
Date
January 2017
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center Repository

Contact:
130 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta GA 30305
404-814-4040