Because of my voice, speaking words which had been carefully chosen, women had used money they had set aside for other purposes to buy war bonds.

Presidential Medal of Freedom
On October 26 1982 Smith received the Presidential Medal of Freedom America's highest civilian honor by U. On the other hand West's first starring film was a huge success.

She sang the controversial top twenty song of 1931 "That's Why Darkies Were Born". Paramount initially promoted Smith's film and it proved to be disappointing at the box office. Collins put her on radio in 1931.