Page 27 - Florida Sentinel 2-4-22

Black History: The History Behind The Names
Dr. Walter L. Smith Library
Note: The Walter L. Smith Library is not a part of the Hillsborough County Public Library System. Dr. Smith saw the need to create a per- manent home to share the many pieces of
African and African American History he col- lected throughout his life- time.
The name of Walter Smith is well respected throughout the State of
DR. WALTER L. SMITH May 13, 1935 ---
November 25, 2021
Florida. He is the former pres- ident of a prestigious univer- sity, a historian of the junior colleges in Florida, and a li- brarian who collects African American art and artifacts.
Dr. Smith received his Associates degree at Gibbs Junior College. He continued his education and earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s de-
grees from Florida A & M Uni- versity. His Ph.D., in Higher Education was bestowed upon him at Florida State University. He later returned as the 7th President of Florida A & M University.
Dr. Smith never earned a high school diploma. More than 60 years later, Dr. Smith was presented an honorary diploma from Blake High School during the 2013 grad- uation ceremony for Howard W. Blake High School seniors.
A Tampa native, Dr. Smith grew up in Cairo, Georgia. After getting in- volved in a fight, he was shipped off to a relative in New York City because of the racial climate at the time. After reaching adulthood, he worked in the garment district until he attempted to enter the U. S. Army. He took and passed the examination and entered the military.
Dr. Smith returned to New York City and enrolled at
the Manhattan Medical School using his G. I. Bill. He went on to become the first Black Medical Lab Technician after taking classes at Gibbs Junior College. He also be- came the first Black Manager at the convenience store. He was assigned to the Progress Village store, and recalls the company giving him a $500 scholarship when he enrolled at Florida A & M University. His major was in Biology and Chemistry. During his life- time, Dr. Smith has amassed several awards, commenda- tions, and citations for his achievements. He is a mem- ber of numerous professional organizations.
In 2004, Dr. Smith founded the Dr. Walter L. Smith Library. It is located at 905 N. Albany. The library contains events from his life that includes trips to Africa, where he has amassed several memorabilia, ranging from dolls to spears.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 7-C