Did you know that Barbara Smith was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2005? Her lifetime of activism for black feminism and people of color representation earned her this nomination. And although she did not receive the prize, her contributions to the community have not been overlooked. Smith is widely acknowledged as having a great influence on the development of Black Women’s studies and Black feminism in the United States. She co-founded one of the first independent presses in the country committed to publishing the writing of women of color, guaranteeing a place for P.O.C. to share their works, and, while serving as a member of the Modern Language Association Commission on the Status of Women in the Profession, she had a national impact resulting in the creation of new courses and curricula focused on the previously neglected work of Black women authors. Smith has devoted her life to these advocacies and her determination in supporting these topics is what resulted in her positively impacting the community around her. It is these accomplishments, among the many others, that Smith was worthy of the title Literary Legend.
Smith has also accomplished multiple feats in the political setting. As a councilwoman and an advisor to the first female mayor of Albany, Smith has worked to encourage officials to ensue an anti-gun violence initiative and foster programs that all children in Albany have access to a high quality education. Smith’s activism never ceases.
Barbara Smith was honored at the 2015 Literary Legends Gala.
