Dr. Smitty: Architect of Generational Moral Wealth

It took me two days to process the immense loss of Dr. William “Smitty” Smith, a transformative figure who dedicated his life to fostering racial amity and building bridges across cultural divides. In a world often consumed by division and discord, Dr. Smitty stood as a champion of unity, reminding us that we are here not merely to build generational wealth but, as he often said, to cultivate generational moral wealth.

I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Smitty two years ago at the Racial Justice Conference in Chicago, organized by the Wayfarer Foundation ndation. As a 5th-grade student at the time, I was one of the youngest presenters at the event. Young people are often overlooked and underestimated in such spaces, but Dr. Smitty saw beyond age. After my presentation, he approached me with an open heart and mind, initiating what would become a profound and meaningful mentorship.

Over the following months, our conversations shifted to Zoom, where Dr. Smitty gave me opportunities that many young leaders dream of. Through his unwavering belief in the power of youth voices, he invited me to share my work with the National Center for Race Amity e Amity. He believed deeply in the potential of young people to effect change, planting seeds of amity and moral responsibility in my peers and me. He exemplified how intergenerational collaboration can create a ripple effect of positive change.

A Legacy of Amity and Vision

Dr. Smitty was a visionary, founding the National Center for Race Amity and serving as its Executive Director. With a background in public education administration and communication, his work centered on promoting cross-racial and cross-cultural amity as the path toward realizing the American ideal of E Pluribus Unum—"Out of Many, One."

Dr. Smitty’s accomplishments are as vast as they are impactful. He served as the President of ComTel Productions, Inc., and later as the Executive Director of the Center for Diversity in Communication Industries at Emerson College. A talented storyteller, he was the producer and co-writer of the award-winning documentary Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices, which shed light on the untold experiences of African American soldiers. He also conceptualized and co-executive produced the 2018 documentary An American Story: Race Amity and The Other Tradition, which highlighted the history of interracial collaboration and friendship in America.

But Dr. Smitty’s impact extended far beyond the screen. He was instrumental in organizing the legislation that established Race Amity Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This annual observance stands as a testament to his tireless advocacy for unity and his belief in celebrating America’s “other tradition” of racial harmony.

In 2019, Dr. Smitty co-authored Race Amity: America’s Other Tradition with Dr. Richard Thomas, further cementing his role as a thought leader in the movement for racial justice. His words and actions have inspired countless individuals, from community leaders to students like me, to approach the challenges of racial inequality with hope and a commitment to building bridges.

Planting Seeds for the Future

Dr. Smitty’s work was never about quick fixes or surface-level solutions. He understood that true change requires a shift in our collective moral compass. His vision of generational moral wealth challenges us to think beyond ourselves and invest in values that will guide future generations.

For my friends and me, Dr. Smitty was not just a mentor but a moral anchor. He showed us that amity is not a passive ideal but an active practice. It is in our conversations, in our willingness to listen, and in our courage to stand together in the face of adversity.

As we navigate a world increasingly marked by division, his message resonates more than ever. He believed that race amity is not just a goal but a necessity—a vital step toward a more unified and just society. Through his life and work, he has laid the groundwork for a future where amity is the norm rather than the exception.

The Idea Of Generational Moral Wealth

Dr. Smitty firmly believed in the transformative power of young people to shape a better future, describing them not as the leaders of tomorrow but as the moral architects of today. For him, the true measure of generational wealth was not in material assets but in the character, values, and vision imparted to the next generation.

He understood that when youth are equipped with the tools to foster empathy, justice, and understanding, they become powerful catalysts for creating a more equitable and harmonious society. Dr. Smitty’s commitment to this vision was evident in his tireless mentorship of students and young leaders, ensuring they had the opportunities and confidence to amplify their voices and champion inclusivity.

By nurturing the moral compass of youth, Dr. Smitty planted the seeds of unity and compassion, leaving a legacy that goes beyond material possessions. His unwavering belief in the potential of young people inspires us to prioritize humanity and shared purpose, ensuring that future generations inherit not just a world of wealth, but one of wisdom and moral integrity.

A Life Worth Celebrating

Dr. Smitty’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy is a beacon of hope. He has planted seeds of amity in countless individuals, including myself, and his influence will continue to grow for generations to come. As we honor his memory, let us carry forward his vision of generational moral wealth. Let us build bridges where there are walls and find common ground where there is division.

Dr. Smitty once said, “We are not here to build generational wealth, but generational moral wealth.” It is now up to us to continue that mission, to nurture the seeds he planted, and to create a world that embodies the ideals he so passionately championed.

Rest in peace, Dr. Smitty. Your light will never dim.