Advocating for Women's Rights: Edna Smith Primus

I first learned about Edna Smith Primus (1944 - 2019) while visiting South Carolina’s International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. Attorney Primus’ picture and a brief summary of her life were included in a section entitled “Advocating for Women’s Rights.” I took a picture of the display in an effort to help me to remember to learn more about her and to make it easier for me to share information about her with those in my life who would appreciate her story and her work.

Background: In 1972, Primus became the University of South Carolina Law School's first Black female graduate. As an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) volunteer, she offered legal services to Black women who were involuntarily sterilized and was reprimanded by the South Carolina Supreme Court. The US Supreme Court overturned the reprimand, guaranteeing the rights of nonprofit organizations to solicit cases as protected political expression. Today this case, In re Primus (1978), is routinely taught in law schools.

Learn more about Edna Smith Primus at the links below:

• University of South Carolina History: https://sc.edu/about/our_history/university_history/presidential_commission/commission_reports/final_report/appendices/appendix-3/primus-smith-edna/ 

• Family members launch endowed scholarship fund to honor pioneering lawyer: https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2022/01/smith_primus.php 

Picture courtesy of the University of South Carolina.