"Carrie-Crawford-Smith" [1877-1954]

Not long after moving to Evanston,Illinois from Tennessee,opened an employment agency in 1918During this area of mass migration of African Americans from the South to the North,Carrie saw her business as a chance to help new arrivals find

work.Her business catered to both African American and White clients,but mainly focused on African Americans,who were moving to the Chicago suburb in great numbers following the First World War.Carrie grew her company by becoming the go-to agency for domestic help.Her business was about more than just jobs-she also saw ventures as a way to promote racial advancement and dignity,especially in the face of ongoing racism.Carrie became a well-revered figure among African Americans when she instituted "standards" which everyone who wished to employ one of  her clients had to accept.These standards,mainly intended to protect African American women reputations,she also insisted that employers treat clients with dignity and respect.