Dear Friends of the National Center for Race Amity,
With a profound sense of sadness and loss, we announce the passing of our dearest Dr. William “Smitty” Smith, our friend, mentor and energetic champion of justice and amity, who passed on Monday afternoon with Marcia, his lifelong companion, at his side.
To all of us who knew him and treasured his friendship, this is a devastating loss, a loss that is tempered by gratitude for the great joy, love and understanding he gave to all who crossed his path. Truly we were all blessed to have Smitty in our lives.
We, the Board of Directors of the National Center for Race Amity, share in the grief and offer our deepest condolences to Smitty’s extended family and his abundant circle of friends. We also solemnly commit ourselves to growing Smitty’s legacy and carrying forward the vital race amity work he initiated.
In lieu of flowers, the Smith family kindly requests that donations be made to honor Smitty and his life’s work by supporting the National Center for Race Amity. In due course, we will announce the holding of a suitable memorial gathering to celebrate and commemorate a life of unparalleled richness in service to humanity.
With loving regards,
The Board of Directors of the
National Center for Race Amity
Help us honor the memory of Dr. William H. “Smitty” Smith and carry on his work and legacy by making a gift here.
Smitty made a huge difference in my life. He inspired me, encouraged me and helped me to realize that my contributions, no matter how small, counted. He taught me about the importance of allies and heroes, friendship and identity, trust and belonging. Thank you, Smitty, for being a light for so many, a teacher, a comrade and friend. I will always remember you with great love and appreciation. I am a better person because of you.
My daughter, Kari Carlson, was honored to work with Smitty on a number of race amity video projects. Although I never met him in person, I admired his dedication to race amity. He was a true inspiration to those of us trying to heal racial prejudice in the U.S.
=Dearest Smith family and friends…..I also am saddened about the passing of Smitty. I met him back in the 1960s at a Baha’i school in South Carolina. We didn’t see each other very often but b
his loving spirit always made me feel like we’re old friends. I pray that God will wrap you in His loving embrace and give you peace and comfort.
With loving regards,
Laurie Cohen
Smitty was an amazing man. I am so saddened by his passing. My deepest condolences to his family. His wise words and deep warmth and acceptance at the Race Amity conferences in Boston had a deep impact on my life. When he visited and presented at Northern Essex Community College, he made such a difference in so many lives. Marcia and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
I feel blessed and fortunate that our paths crossed. Every moment with him was special. His legacy will live on….
To the NCRA Board of Directors
Dear friends,
When I saw your announcement of Smitty’s passing, my heart immediately filled with a whirlwind of emotions. He has been our fearless leader in the race amity work for decades: addressing this most vital and challenging issue head on, and persevering through difficult times with love and wisdom.
From his initial founding of the NCRA, to the annual Race Amity Conferences, the establishment of Race Amity Day in June, the RA Leadership Academy, the Boston Arts and Music Festival, the Medal of Honor Program, the video documentaries, board game and other useful tools, Smitty gave us so much and has been such an amazing force for good!
Having known Smitty for decades, I also felt I had a special relationship with him, but then so did everybody. I take comfort in the knowledge that his inspired work will continue to breathe new life and hope into the world, and am truly feeling blessed to be a small part of it.
With heartfelt prayers and condolences to the entire NCRA Board at this difficult time,
Sincerely,
Randie Gottlieb
(UnityWorks)
Smitty is an example of a brilliant lamp and a shining star⭐
He was a wonderful visionary and a great leader and a man with deep understanding, extensive wisdom and layers of insight that have been game changing for the world he lived in. It is a sad thing to lose him. We should do good things now in his memory.
Comment * Dear NCRA,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of William Smith. His spirit will continue to inspire your work and mission which was his also.
Sincerely, Nancy Szenher SEMA cluster
I am so very sad to hear of this. If there is anything I can do to assist in the memorial planning or execution please let me know