
Smith’s formative years were highlighted by his attendance as an infant at the 1963 March on Washington, a foundational moment in civil rights history that he would later reflect on in his 2023 address at the same hallowed location.
In August, Smith provided insights for “Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” which combines Dr. King’s most powerful speeches with his own reflections on the enduring values of leadership, justice, and community. He proudly shared the launch of the project on Instagram.
“Today, I am honored to share the launch of my first book, ‘Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’ Lead Boldly’ is a new book that features some of Dr. King’s most powerful speeches, paired with my own insights, context, and reflections on their relevance for today’s leaders. Themes like ‘The Beloved Community,’ ‘Economic Justice,’ ‘Two Americas,’ and ‘Allies’ have shaped my journey, and are essential for leaders to understand and apply today.”