[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 93 (Wednesday, May 31, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E508-E509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN MEMORY OF PROFESSOR CHRISTOPHER SMITH: A TRAILBLAZER IN MEDIA, 
               ECONOMICS, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 31, 2023

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
a remarkable educator and dear friend, Professor Christopher Smith, who 
has recently passed away at the age of 55. Christopher was a clinical 
professor of communication at the University of Southern California 
Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where he 
passionately served for more than 20 years, inspiring colleagues and 
students with his innovation, leadership, and vision.
  Throughout his tenure at USC Annenberg, Christopher proved himself to 
be an innovator and a leader. Christopher's passion for teaching was 
clearly demonstrated in the variety of comprehensive courses he 
developed. These included engaging and thought-provoking subjects like 
``Communication, Culture and Capitalism,'' and ``Media, Money, and 
Society.'' These courses and seminars, unique in their focus and 
design, opened doors of opportunity for students to investigate the 
pressing issues of our time and devise innovative solutions.
  Christopher's contributions extend far beyond the classroom. He was a 
trailblazer in creating links between academia and industry, leveraging 
his professional network to establish partnerships with prominent 
technology

[[Page E509]]

companies in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles. His influence was 
instrumental in shaping the USC Annenberg experience, establishing 
economic literacy and entrepreneurial acumen as cornerstones of 
education there.
  As the co-founder and director of the interdisciplinary Media, 
Economics & Entrepreneurship (M2e ) program, Christopher led the way 
in exploring the evolving business models of communication and 
journalism. This program has been instrumental in cultivating the next 
wave of media leaders and entrepreneurs, providing them with practical, 
hands-on opportunities at leading companies.
  His academic prowess also extended to research, with his work 
published in respected journals such as Social Text and the 
International Journal of Communication. He was frequently sought after 
by national and international media outlets, including NBC, ABC, NPR, 
the BBC, and Reuters, to share his insights.
  In his capacity as a global intellectual voice, Christopher dedicated 
himself to cultivating global opportunities for USC. His research 
presentations at leading universities in Shenzhen, China; Johannesburg, 
South Africa; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Oxford, England, opened 
dialogues for further international collaboration.
  Christopher's advocacy extended into the realm of diversity and 
inclusion. He founded the Women's Leadership Society, the first of its 
kind at USC Annenberg, which focused on promoting female professional 
advancement within the intersecting fields of technology, media, and 
entertainment.
  His relentless dedication to closing opportunity gaps for women, 
people of color, and historically disadvantaged groups showcased his 
unwavering commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive academic 
environment.
  In his capacity as a faculty member, Christopher served the 
university and its students in many roles. He was selected to serve on 
the USC Board of Trustees Development Committee and most recently, 
served as the chair of USC Annenberg's Faculty Council. Moreover, his 
influence was felt within his innovative course ``TV Strategy: From 
Broadcasting to YouTube,'' where he provided students with 
opportunities to work on real-world business cases and conduct original 
research projects, fostering an environment that truly combined 
theoretical knowledge with practical experiences.
  Christopher Smith's life was a life dedicated to service, to 
mentorship, to innovation, and above all, to the pursuit of knowledge 
and justice. He will be deeply missed; yet his legacy will live on 
through the countless lives he touched and the profound impact he had 
on the field of media studies. On behalf of the United States Congress, 
I extend our deepest condolences to Christopher's wife, Salaam Coleman 
Smith, their children Asa and Nina, and their extended family and 
friends. We honor his significant contributions to education and 
communication, and his enduring legacy will continue to inspire and 
inform generations to come.

                          ____________________