Smith v. Allwright (1944) | Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect

Smith v. Allwright (1944) was Thurgood Marshall’s pivotal case against the Texas Democratic Party’s all-White primary system. In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court struck down the practice, expanding Black voting rights in the South and marking a defining step in the broader fight for democracy and civil rights.

About the Author
Classroom activities were developed by Kate Ehrlich, social studies teacher at Oakdale High School, Frederick County Public Schools (Maryland). Ehrlich was named the Maryland Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 2024.