For John Smith, a court date would become a date with destiny.
Following an unprovoked encounter with police, the then-20-year-old New York native landed in a jail cell, the victim of racial profiling. Falsely accused of resisting arrest and lacking the funds to hire an attorney, John’s solution was simple: defend himself at trial and accept no less than full vindication.
Though unfamiliar with the court system and warned by his parents that exoneration was unlikely, John doggedly prepared. He meticulously studied defense strategy and readied himself for a tough battle. Come court day, he squared off against the arresting officer, vigorously grilling him on the stand and challenging every detail of his account. His shrewd lawyering proved so effective that the cop’s story fell to pieces. John's diligence and determination won the day, with the judge emphatically ruling in his favor. The experience would be a defining moment for John, serving to build his confidence and provide a sense of purpose and direction, and ultimately inspiring him to pursue a career helping at-risk youth. He soon earned a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice and a minor in Social Work from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, graduating in 2012.
After relocating to Northern California, John considered his career options. Though he remained passionate about helping troubled teens, another cause seemed to need his attention. In a region known for seven-figure real estate and an enviable standard of living, John enthusiastically sought an opportunity among an underserved population of the Bay Area at Downtown Streets Team, a San Jose-based homeless outreach organization. The job was an eye-opener, exposing John to a world few realize existed in wealthy Silicon Valley.
“I found myself immersed in the largest homeless encampment in the nation, notoriously known as ‘The Jungle,’” says John. “There were 300 people living in tents, underground burrows and handmade bunkers. There was violence and drug use. It as lawless. This was something I never would have believed could exist in America if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.” Seeking to empower those in the lowest socio-economic strata and having accumulated years of volunteer experience, the position of Case Manager presented a great fit for the recent college grad.
Housing the homeless is a great start, but it doesn’t end there. The organization also provides resources and tools for being not only contributing, but conscientious members of society. John explains: “We talk about the importance of voting, education, budgeting, and the power of saying ‘no’ to bad influences.” Years after his own day in court, John regularly draws upon his gifts for persuasion and persistence on behalf of his clients, convincing property managers to gamble on potentially risky tenants. After a mere year on the job but with many successes under his belt, John earned a promotion to Housing Relations Strategist. He now mentors Case Managers and directs seminars on strategy and best practices, helping to hone his leadership skills. “I find compassion in helping people reach their potential because at one point in time, I didn’t feel as if I had any potential. Now I’m a young professional working toward the betterment of humanity and I’ve found my passion.”
His rewarding career notwithstanding, John also seeks out connections with fellow community-minded professionals outside the office, which culminated in his joining Alpha Phi Alpha in 2013. He currently serves as the South Bay Area Director after a previous tenure as Vice President of the San Francisco chapter. Recently, John managed a successful event at San Francisco’s Museum of the African Diaspora, featuring civil rights figure and MLK advisor Clarence B. Jones as the keynote speaker.
When not rallying against social injustice, John enjoys listening to hip hop and RnB, and regularly hits the gym. If you happen to cross paths with him at the Capital Club, be sure to join him for a bottle of his favorite Cab.