Smithfield in Johnston County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Smithfield Four

NC Civil Rights Trail

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2026

1. Smithfield Four Marker

Inscription. In 1957, four Black citizens entered town library to demand access. Resulting action and advocacy ended segregation in the library.

Erected 2024 by NC African American Heritage Commission; William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 38.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the NC Civil Rights Trail, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.

Location. 35° 30.613′ N, 78° 20.84′ W. Marker is in Smithfield, North Carolina, in Johnston County. It is on East Johnston Street west of South 3rd Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 219 E Johnston St, Smithfield NC 27577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Johnston County War Memorial (about 500 feet away); Sherman Receives News of Lee's Surrender in Smithfield (about 500 feet away); World War II and Korean Conflict Memorial (about 500 feet away); Johnston County Fountain Memorial (about 500 feet away); Downtown Smithfield Historic District (about 500 feet away); Honor Roll (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Occupation of Smithfield (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smithfield.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Occupation of Smithfield (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2026

2. Smithfield Four Marker

Additional plaque at the base of the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2026

3. Additional plaque at the base of the marker

Smithfield Four Bishop Franklin J. Matthews • Rev. Dr. John H. Bryant, Jr. • Mrs. Florene Penny Williams • Rev. Dr. Beatrice Reaves Penny

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 61 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 15, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.