Dr. Horace E. Smith (Finding Aid)

Dr. Horace E. Smith

1949 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Ice Cream

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii

Interview Length: 117 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 8, 2003

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Horace Smith gives some of his family's background, telling of his grandparents' and parents' migration from the South to Chicago and relating some of their stories about the Jim Crow era. Smith then gives a description of his mother, who died when he was only ten years old. He also describes his father, who was a Chicago police officer for decades. Smith shares the lessons he learned from both of his parents. Smith then reflects on his childhood, recalling his old neighborhood in Chicago, playing with his siblings, and sharing some of his favorite activities and recreations as a boy. He recalls the influence his grandmother had on his spiritual life. Smith then details his experiences in grammar school, describing the schools he attended and his ability and diligence as a young student. Smith credits his mother with keeping him motivated to excel in school. Horace Smith discusses two of his mentors from childhood, including his first employer and the pastor of his church. He describes the lessons he learned from them and how they helped set him on the path to success. Smith then describes his high school experience, explaining the difficult transition he had to make while attending a mostly white school. He talks about incidents of racism he encountered, but concludes that his experience was positive, as he achieved academic success and made many friends. Smith then discusses his successful efforts to win scholarships and attend college at Chicago State University. He explains how his undergraduate experience led him to attend medical school at the University of Illinois. Smith also spends time describing the racial climate in Chicago during the Civil Rights Movement, and explains why he was discouraged from attending protests. He recalls the darkest days of the Movement, specifically the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Horace Smith describes his experience at the University of Illinois medical school in Chicago, detailing the rigorous courses and examinations. He recalls struggling at first, but says he was able to learn from his mistakes and work his way to graduation. Smith explains how his studies led to his interest in sickle cell anemia, which he spent much of his medical career researching. He dispels common myths about sickle cell anemia, and discusses current treatment plans and hopes for a future cure. Smith reflects on his successful career as a hematologist and oncologist, saying he is especially proud of his treatment of young children. Smith then discusses his decision to become a pastor in his church, the Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago, describing the difficulty of balancing his professional medical career with his spiritual service. He explains that this balancing act became much harder once the church expanded and he became a bishop. Smith says he relishes the challenge and will continue be both a doctor Horace Smith has a detailed discussion about his spiritual beliefs, focusing on the compatibility of faith with science and medicine. Smith believes that his study of medicine and the human body has strengthened his faith, saying that the more he has learned about science, the more he becomes convinced that a spiritual life and scientific life are fully compatible. Despite his conviction, Smith does share some questions that trouble his faith, but explains that such questions do not weaken his faith. Smith then discusses the role of faith in medicine, saying that while he does not force his beliefs on his patients, he often finds that patients want to use faith as a healing agent. Smith shares his hopes and concerns for the future of the black community, advocating black mentorship and improvements in education. Smith follows by discussing his legacy and how he would like to be remembered. Smith then provides descriptions of photographs he brought to the interview. Horace Smith provides descriptions of photos he has brought to the interview.

54 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)