What My Village Did for Me

He hitchhiked ten miles across two counties in pursuit of a high school diploma. However, after successfully completing the school year, he was still two credits short, and summer school didn't save him either.

Despite Robert Smith's setbacks, he remained unyielding and upheld the values instilled in him by an African American community he calls a village. Eventually, Smith earned six degrees and became a decorated veteran, a professor, a magistrate, and a CEO.

What My Village Did for Me: The Robert Smith Story explores how Robert Smith's village nurtured and shaped him for a life dedicated to service, both locally and globally. This is a story about the power of faith and family. It also invites readers to reflect on the reciprocal relationship they have with their communities.