Barbara Smith (activist)

This article is about Barbara "Robie" Smith, the Chicago activist. For other Barbara Smiths, see Barbara Smith (disambiguation).
Barbara "Robie" Smith
Barbara "Robie" Smith
BornMay 25, 1946
DiedFebruary 14, 2015 (aged 68)
OccupationActivist
Known forCo-founder of the Affinity Community Services foundation

Barbara "Robie" Smith (1946–2015) was an American activist from Chicago known for co-founding the Affinity Community Services foundation, a support group for Black lesbians, in 1995.

Biography

Smith was born on May 25, 1946. She attended Chicago State University (CSU) and had a career in accounting and real estate. She was active in the Chicago LGBT community. In addition to co-founding the Affinity Community Services she worked with a variety of organizations including the Chicago Foundation for Women, the Crossroads Fund, the Lesbian Community Care Project, and Women Women of All Cultures Together (WACT).

Smith died on February 14, 2015. She was inducted posthumously into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2015. Affinity Community Services established the The Barbara "Robbie" Smith Award of Excellence in her honor.