“Between doubt and destiny is action. Between our community and the American Dream is leadership. Your leadership. Your destiny. This doesn’t mean ignoring injustice, it means using your strength to restore order.”
-Robert F. Smith
2019 Morehouse College Commencement Speech
When Robert F. Smith delivered these words to the 2019 graduating class of Morehouse College, he issued a call to action. His message was rooted in the belief that leading by example has the power to transform communities. His speech echoed the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who described the Beloved Community as a society built on love, justice and reconciliation. As Dr. King said in 1956, “The end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends.”
Smith brought this vision to life in a tangible way with his historic gift to eliminate the student loan debt of the entire 2019 Morehouse graduating class. Since then, he has continued to champion the principles of the Beloved Community, encouraging others to use their talents and leadership to give back to those around them.
Leading Boldly in Your Community
Bold leadership in your community means dedicating yourself to giving back to those around you. In the book “Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Martin Luther King Jr.,” Smith reflects on seven of Dr. King’s most powerful speeches. The book offers practical insights shaped by Smith’s journey, inviting readers to consider how their actions can bring the Beloved Community to life.
Dr. King described the Beloved Community as a society grounded in understanding, goodwill and an overflowing love that seeks nothing in return. He called it “the love of God operating in the human heart.” That kind of leadership stems from a personal commitment to support and raise up those around us.
Smith has carried this vision forward through philanthropic efforts focused on creating opportunities for others in education, healthcare and economic mobility. His actions demonstrate bold leadership in practice and offer a path for others to follow.
Education Reform
“The ability to identify problems and enjoy finding their solutions begins in the classroom, yet our teachers and administrators continue to face uphill battles in securing the proper resources and materials to engage students, particularly Black students and students from low-income households.” — Robert F. Smith
Since his gift to the Morehouse graduating class in 2019, Smith has continued to invest in education. His support for his alma maters, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) has created new pathways for students pursuing careers in STEM and other high-growth, market-driven majors.
Read more on the initiatives and institutions that Smith supports through his philanthropy:
Wealth-Building and Community Infrastructure
Strong communities depend on financial stability and access to resources. Smith supports programs that equip individuals and families with the tools they need to build long-term financial success and resilience.
This includes his support of organizations like Grameen America through Southern Communities Initiative (SCI). SCI is a catalytic consortium dedicated to accelerating wealth creation and economic growth in six Southern communities through locally led, measured and sustained initiatives.
Career Readiness
Students must be prepared to leave the classroom and enter the workforce with the skills, experience and confidence they need to become effective leaders. Smith supports internXL, an AI-driven platform that connects talented STEM and business students with internships at top companies. The organization also offers students free career readiness and training certifications, virtual networking and mentorship opportunities.
Healthcare
Community strength begins with health. Smith supports programs that expand access to care and help people live longer and healthier lives.
One example is the Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit. Made possible through a donation from Smith, the mobile screening unit brings prostate cancer screenings directly into the communities that have limited access to preventive care and testing that could save lives.
How To Bring Bold Leadership To Your Community
Dr. King’s words have inspired others to action for decades. In “Lead Boldly,” Smith adds a present-day perspective and encourages others to lead by serving.
There are many ways to lead in and give back to your community. Whether that means volunteering, mentoring others or advocating for important local causes, what matters is that you aim to uplift those around you. The Beloved Community grows stronger through steady, purposeful action.
Learn more about how Smith’s philanthropic work continues to promote the ideals of the Beloved Community by following him on LinkedIn and subscribing to his YouTube channel.
