Activist and Syndicated Radio Commentator Bev Smith

I attended the live airing of the Moment of Truth hosted by CNN's Soledad O'Brien. This panel event took place an hour before the launch of Black in America 2 and brought together several well-known African-Americans to talk about their experiences on being a Black person in America.

Under the Manhattan sky in Times Square, Tom Joyner, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., D.L. Hughley, Steve Harvey and Bev Smith spoke openly to an audience of 100+ plus people and I'm sure what was an audience of millions. Each guest had their own story, but I was immediately drawn to syndicated radio commentator and activist Bev Smith.

Bev, like several of the panelist, grew up in the Civil Rights era. She spoke fondly of her close-knit family, but she also shared a disturbing story about an incident that happened to her father. Bev grew up in a household of activists. Her father organized a union for mine workers at his job. He was invited to Washington, D.C. to share his experiences with Congress. Before Bev's father could share his experiences, he was brutally beaten as he exited the train when arriving in D.C. He was beaten, put back on the train and informed never to return. But that didn't discourage Bev's father. He ordered his family to clean him up and he returned to D.C.

Bev said this incident was one of the main reasons she considers herself an activist today. On her radio show, Bev discusses issues affecting all. She focuses education, HIV/AIDS, homelessness and much more. She's won over 300 awards for her work as an activist. Bev energized me to continue volunteering in my community. She encouraged me to keep speaking up for those who's voices may not be loud enough to be heard. Bev Smith has been in the trenches since she was a young child and I'm grateful for her commitment. If there's a person who continuously encourages you to help others, please share with the Women Making Moves community.

Women, start making your Moves today!