Antonio Smith, 27, grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, lived in 15 homes and attended 10 schools, met his biological father at the age of 17, was twice hit by a car and nearly lost his hearing, before finding Christ, winning a scholarship to Brown University, and then discovering the Baha'i faith. Today he is active in community service and other educational activities.
1.Losing a voice, finding Christ
I was hit by cars twice when I was growing up – the second time felt like the beginning of my spiritual journey.
2.A society built for others
The perceptions as that kids at my school wouldn’t amount to anything. But my peers had talents, abilities and intelligence that just weren’t being tapped by the system.
3.Winning a scholarship to Brown
The ACT was Goliath, and I was David, relying on the power of God to prevail.
4.Becoming a Baha’i, 10% at a time
At the end of my first year of university, I saw that I was doing more Baha’i things than other things and I was okay with that.
5.Teaching math and spiritual empowerment
I met a student and his mom at their home, and as soon as I walked in I knew they couldn’t afford $25 an hour for tutorials.
6.Race and the twofold moral purpose
I didn’t feel racism growing up in Memphis. But at university I learnt why – the racism in Memphis is invisible racism.
7.Hungry for unity
New relationships are being built – forcing people to see each other as equals.