M.V. Diversity Coalition honors legacy of Richie Smith

The Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition (MVDC) awarded retiring Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools (MVYPS) Superintendent Dr. Richard (“Richie”) Smith with its inaugural Friend and Leader Award and premiered its oral history film project at its annual Truth & Joy Festival on Saturday evening.

The festival celebrated the Island’s cultural diversity through storytelling, music, and art. About 100 people gathered at the Performing Arts Center in Oak Bluffs to take in speeches, performances, and videos by community members.

The evening opened with the screening of a music video for the MVDC Educational Committee’s song “Change.” Other acts, such as a dance ensemble by the Rise Dance Company and the performance of a blessing song by the Black Brook Singers, a group comprised of members of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), paid tribute to Smith.

The MVDC also premiered “Martha’s Vineyard Living Legends: The Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Elders Oral History Project,” an ongoing film project of high school student interviews with the Island’s BIPOC elders. Oak Bluffs eighth-grade student Latanah Lowe was also honored as the winner of this year’s Marie B Allen Creative Arts Contest for her poem titled, “Freedom Across Time.”

Many people who joined the celebration highlighted Smith’s contributions to the Island’s schools and the wider community. 

Jocelyn Coleman Walton, co-chair of the MVDC Education Committee, presented Smith with the award.

“Richie has been a dedicated ally of our committee for many years. He attended our meetings regularly as assistant superintendent and remained completely accessible and supportive after becoming superintendent,” Coleman said. “His unwavering support set the stage for meaningful and measurable improvements in creating inclusive environments by endorsing our many activities.”

Smith, who is retiring as superintendent after 25 years as an educator, expressed his gratitude as the recipient of the award. 

“Receiving the Friend and Leader Award means more to me knowing who is bestowing the award,” Smith said. “That such amazing human beings can think so highly of me is incredibly humbling.”

In attendance was Smith’s wife, Melissa, and their two sons, Zach, 22, and Renny, 19.

Zach emphasized to The Times his pride in his father.

“I see every day how hard he’s working. He’s really put his heart and soul into it,” he said. “It feels like the Island is giving a thank you.”

Renny echoed this sentiment. “A lot of the things he does goes unsung, so it’s just so nice to see all this appreciation towards him and all these people gathered for him.”

MVDC Board Member Sandra Pimentel emphasized the strength of unity. 

“Tonight is a night of truth and joy,” Pimentel said. “It is a time for us to be together and to feel the power of our community, while honoring our BIPOC friends who add so much to the fabric of our community and to recognize Richie Smith, who has proven that one person can make a difference.”

MVDC Board Member Bob Tankard wished Smith well on his retirement.

“I know with your heart and your mind you will help us fill that void. We wish you the best, you and your family,” Tankard said. “I just told your two sons that their responsibility for the next four years is to take care of you.”

Former MVYPS Assistant Superintendent Marge Harris joked about Smith’s commitment to civic participation.

“The community owned him. He never wavered from showing up at each and every meeting, especially if it involved students,” Harris said. “Thank goodness for his wife, Missy, for she never saw the man.”

Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) Physical Education Department Chair Sheryl Taylor evoked a quote by Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman.

“There’s a quote attributed to Shirley Chisholm, that says, ‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,’” Taylor said. “What I have appreciated most about Richie is that he’s never made people bring their own chair. He intentionally makes room at the table.”

Brad Lopes, educational director for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), recalled how Smith impacted him personally at a meeting.

“Richie made a point to come talk to me and pat me on the back as he expressed joy over seeing me there,” Lopes said. “That kindness dissipated any sense of anxiety I held in the same way the fog does as it rolls over the ocean and towards the cliffs.”

Julie Fay, former executive director of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, expressed her fondness for the frequent meals she shared with Smith.  

“Over the years, we ate a lot of those chicken shawarma sandwiches,” Fay said. “I thoroughly enjoyed the intelligence, the width, and the honesty of the conversations that went along with them.” 

Toni Kauffman, former president of the Martha’s Vineyard branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, used an excerpt from country musician Eric Church’s commencement speech at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill to underscore Smith’s individuality.

“The world does not need another cover song. It needs an original,” Kauffman said. “It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with you. I am humbled by the faith that you’ve had in me to serve our Island youth. I will miss you, Richie. You are an original.”

Oak Bluffs Chief of Police Jonathan Searle spoke on behalf of the Island police chiefs and the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office.  

“Our missions have always been closely aligned. Every day we work towards the same goal, which is creating a safe, supporting environment where all of our young people can learn, grow, and thrive,” Searle said. “Throughout your tenure, you’ve been a valued partner in that effort, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the well-being and success of our Island students.”