Emijah Smith (She/Her)
by Ida Madilamba (She/Her)
Emijah Smith is an unstoppable woman from the Pacific Northwest who makes great impacts and changes wherever she passes. Smith is a social activist who was born in 1977 and raised in Seattle, Washington. At an early age, Smith has recognized the injustices and systems put in place to fail people who look like her, so she decided to stand up and fight systemic oppressive systems. Since then, Smith has dedicated her life to fighting injustice and inequality particularly for the Black community in the Pacific Northwest. Smith is known for her commitment to fighting racial injustice. She uses grassroots organizing to amplify marginalized voices which has made her a prominent public figure. Smith focuses on criminal legal justice reform, housing advocacy and educational equity.
Smith’s journey of activism didn’t start with headlines but instead with neighborhood meetings and school board sessions where she started making great impacts within her community. Smith has continuously shown up for her people which has earned her a special place of honor within the Black community. Smith’s maternal instinct led her to fight for her community just like a mama bear would fight to defend and protect her own cubs.
Smith leads the “Black Education Now Campaign” which is an anti-racist and community-based program. This campaign aims to compel Seattle Public Schools to serve Black students an education that would uplift their potential. Smith is a trusted voice within Black community forums because of her resilience and courage to fight institutional neglect toward Black mothers, working class families, and students. In her fight for equity, Smith has also demanded a revision of the educational curriculum to reflect Black histories and culture. She is not only radical, smart, and bold, but also strategic in her approach to compel changes. Smith served on policy advisory boards that influence statewide legislation and her background as a leader in organizations like the Children’s Alliance have made her very knowledgeable about how the system works and how to disrupt anything oppressive. Her Black Education Now campaign has secured funding for Black families well-being by introducing cultural mental health services. She has also expanded access to early childhood education for Black families. These accomplishments constitute Smith’s greatest reforms and institutional change.
Smith is an unapologetically Black woman who is passionate, joyful and grounded in her culture. Her beliefs are joy, healing and community building. Her work is a lived experience on the streets, in city halls, and in classrooms to serve justice. Smith has built spaces where Black children can thrive leaving behind her a blueprint of a lifetime. Emijah Smith is an audacious woman who has challenged oppressive systems, and she should be studied for her courage, resilience and advocacy. Smith is a force of accountability for the Pacific Northwest.
