PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 15, 2021— Hundreds of community members will gather on Sunday, September 19 at 3 pm at Malcolm X Park in West Philadelphia for a vibrant event with live performances and community leaders speaking out in support of Anthony Smith. Smith is facing federal charges for his involvement in protests against police brutality in the summer of 2020. Smith is an outspoken community organizer and a respected high school social studies teacher at YouthBuild Charter School in North Philadelphia.
“Ant is a beloved and respected teacher at YouthBuild,” says Sarah Burgess, Director of Curriculum and Education at YouthBuild Charter School, “I am so grateful and inspired by his work with young people.”
On October 26, 2020, Anthony Smith was arrested and taken from his home by federal officers based on his alleged involvement in the arson of a police vehicle during a George Floyd protest in May of 2020. If convicted of the most serious, charge Anthony faces a mandatory minimum of seven years in federal prison. Following his arrest by federal officers, a huge outpouring of community support mobilized to call out the political and arbitrary nature of the charges. Anthony received over 70 character letters attesting to his selflessness and dedication to serving his community. The school where he works and the organizations where he volunteers his time immediately released statements to express their support. The #FreeAnt social media campaign quickly gained national traction. Anthony was released pre-trial and is on a location monitoring program until his court date, which is upcoming in the Fall of 2021.
“Anthony was arrested on politically motivated charges as part of a concerted effort to suppress the Black Lives Matter uprisings and to make us afraid to speak up. They want to undermine the character of those with powerful voices calling for justice,” says Krystal Strong, an organizer with Black Lives Matter Philly.
Smith’s arrest came just nights after the community uprising in West Philadelphia after the police killing of Walter Wallace Jr. However, these charges came nearly five months after the alleged crimes. Federal prosecutors charged over 200 people in connection with the protests against police brutality at the direction of the former Attorney General William Barr. Attorney General Merrick Garland, appointed by President Biden, has chosen to continue to seek the prosecution of these activists.
“To charge him federally, I think is outrageous, and as I said, it’s another example of the political overreach by the federal government,” Smith’s attorney Paul Hetznecker said.
While awaiting trial, Anthony has continued to work at YouthBuild Charter School, mentor his students, and volunteer in the community. Every week, he passes out food and hygiene supplies with Food Not Bombs at an EL train stop in West Philadelphia. He also has continued to take care of his younger brothers and support his family.
“We’re here to support Anthony. He is nonviolent,” said Smith’s cousin Devon Gooden “He speaks with his words. He speaks with his pen, and he makes his point known without violence. He’s a Frederick Douglas. He’s a Martin Luther King. He is the type of person who stands up for people who are unable to stand up for themself, and that’s why we are here.”
