New Orleans

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A dedicated activist, humanitarian, former freedom rider and giant among men. New Orleans' own Smith is revered and respected as a mentor, teacher and nurturer of at-risk African American youth in the Seventh Ward and Treme neighborhoods. A faithful volunteer of more than 40 years, Smith has been instrumental in operating programs that uplift the lives of Black youth. He uses a holistic approach that meets the children's needs and interests. Such programs include "Balls and Books," a program that encourages all youth who want to play a sport to also carry their own library card. "Our youth excel in sports but not in books," Smith laments. Smith's goal is to help our young people build confidence in self, and he sees to it that their knowledge base is steeped in Black history and the achievements of our elders - which he draws from when teaching and inspiring them to achieve against all odds.