SENIOR PROFILE: Kyra Smith’s journey preserving civil rights stories

Kyra Smith

Kyra Smith starts her mornings with a walk to the library, preparing for a day spent uncovering history that many people were never taught.

For Smith, a Claflin University senior, a summer spent working as a research intern at the USC Center for Civil Rights History and Research became more than just an academic opportunity, it became a life-changing experience rooted in discovery, purpose and preservation.

Each day, she worked through digital and physical archives, transcribing interviews and researching the lives of individuals connected to the civil rights movement. Her work helped transform recorded history into accessible stories, forming biographies that ensure those voices are not forgotten.

One of the moments that stayed with her the most was visiting the “Justice for All” exhibit.

“It opened my eyes to local history that we aren’t really taught in school,” Smith said.

Another defining experience came during a field trip to visit the site of the historic Briggs v. Elliott case. Standing in that space, she reflected on the significance of the moment.

“I felt honored to be in the spaces of changemakers, and I’m glad to see that these histories are being preserved,” Smith said.

Originally from Gaffney, South Carolina, Smith discovered the opportunity through a flyer shared in a group chat and applied immediately. What began as a simple application quickly turned into an experience that reshaped her perspective.

Throughout the internship, she was surprised to learn how many South Carolina natives played major roles in the civil rights movement, something she believes more students should be aware of.

“This opportunity is so important for Claflin students because it gives us information that we aren’t taught in grade school,” Smith said. “We need to know how impactful our state was to the movement.”

Beyond historical knowledge, the experience also challenged her personally. She developed stronger organizational skills and learned how to prioritize responsibilities while managing daily transcription work and research tasks.

She describes the internship as “life-changing.”

Now, as she prepares to graduate, Smith plans to attend law school, where she hopes to build on the research skills and legal knowledge she developed during her time at the center.

“This experience helped me prepare for law school by improving my research skills and exposing me to legal terminology,” Smith said.

Looking ahead, Smith carries with her not only new skills, but a deeper understanding of the past and a commitment to ensuring those stories continue to be told.