[1] Smith went on to graduate study of German at the University of Wisconsin, but returned after a year to marry Dr. Charles Howell Clark in 1951.

Following graduation, she spent three years at the National Urban League directing their Leadership Development Project for young black professionals.

She went on to be a docent for countless tours of schoolchildren through the Africa Hall at the National Museum of Natural History.

The Committee has raised millions for Smithsonian programming, including significant efforts researching and teaching African-American history.

The CEC was formed to increase minority visitation and participation at the Smithsonian, and to encourage hiring of and programming about people of color at the largely white institution.

The CEC's work included establishing an annual Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration at the Smithsonian and increasing programming for various commemorative heritage months.