Otelia Cromwell ( April 8 , 1874 - April 25 , 1972 ) is the first African - American graduate of Smith College , which later began the tradition of canceling afternoon and evening classes in her honor every November as a venue to talk about race and diversity .
Otelia Cromwell ( April 8 , 1874 - April 25 , 1972 ) is the first African - American graduate of Smith College . 
 The college later began the tradition of canceling afternoon and evening classes in her honor every November as a venue to talk about race and diversity .