[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 139 (Monday, September 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E867]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. ROOSEVELT SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2024

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Mr. Roosevelt Smith. A passionate historian and community educator, Mr. 
Smith passed away in late June after leading a life of service to his 
community and to his Nation.
  Mr. Smith attended the second oldest Black High School in Memphis. He 
was later kicked out of college for demanding the hiring of more 
African American professors. That caused his draft status to be changed 
to 1A, leading to his enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, where he served 
for six years.
  After serving his country, Mr. Smith chose to serve his community as 
a historian and activist. Upon moving to Kitsap County, Washington in 
the late 1970s, Mr. Roosevelt helped found the Bremerton chapter of the 
National Association of Black Veterans, led the Black Historical 
Society of Kitsap County, and served as a board member for the Kitsap 
History Museum. At the museum, Mr. Smith ensured that Black history was 
told through sharing his own memorabilia in the Black Americana 
exhibit. For Mr. Smith, justice for the Black community was always a 
priority.
  Mr. Smith used his historical pieces to educate the community. When 
items would upset visitors, he welcomed the uncomfortable moments and 
awkward conversation and used this as a time to teach and encourage 
others to understand the significance without confrontation. He was 
also well-known in the local antiques and art community, where he 
worked each year at the Kitsap Antiques Show as an appraiser, owned his 
own watch repair business, and was a familiar face at Kitsap's antique 
and vintage shops looking for pieces of historical significance to 
conserve and educate the public.
  Mr. Smith dedicated his life to ensuring that the historical 
experience of the Black community of this Nation are not forgotten, no 
matter how uncomfortable that history may be. He fought to ensure the 
Black veterans of Kitsap County had equitable access to their earned 
benefits and resources where there had previously been barriers. In 
short, in so many ways, Roosevelt Smith was a difference-maker.
  Mr. Speaker, I join our community in grieving the loss of a pillar of 
the community, a dedicated and passionate historian and activist, and 
compassionate father, husband, and friend. I join Roosevelt's wife, 
Deadra, his children, and the rest of his family in grieving this loss. 
I am honored to recognize his life's work on the House floor.

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