Life and Work with Bianca Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Smith.

Bianca, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

My brother was murdered while sitting in his car, unarmed, at a sports bar in Atascocita on Sunday, February 19, 2017. My brother’s name was Fabian “FABE” Smith. While attending court appearances in Houston’s 248th District Court for 12 consecutive months after my brother was murdered and fighting for justice, I started a petition after several acts of injustice. During that 12 month period, the judge refused to talk to my family and me. Interestingly, my first career was criminal justice. I earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice (2012) and was a former employee of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This tragedy forced me to use every transferable skill I had obtained. I was thankful that I was well-versed in criminal justice lingo, systems, and processes, but truth is – my brother wasn’t a client, so I felt helpless at times. I was begging people for victim services and resources.

So, I launched a movement, named after my brother: FABE. The acronym stands for “Forget Average Be Extraordinary.” As part of the movement, I distributed shirts, positivity, tips for grieving, and I challenged people to live purposely. I shared my brother’s story. I shared dreams that he shared but never saw come to fruition. I begged the public to allow my 29-year-old brother to live through them. People posted the shirts while traveling, working, starting new jobs, named children after my brother, got tattoos, etc…

In June 2018, I published my first book, “Murdered by a Christian, on a Sunday.” My book exposes revictimization by the criminal justice system and explores the relationship between grieving and mental health. Amid the darkness, my book is full of inspiration to live purposely.

I am an advocate for justice and equity in health care. As a Licensed Master Social Worker here in the state of Texas, I am passionate about increasing mental health awareness and acceptance, especially among people of color. Just five days before my brother was murdered, I learned that I had been accepted as a graduate student at Baylor University, but I doubted whether I could do it. From 2017 until 2019, I worked as a graduate assistant at Baylor University and studied abroad. I fell in love with international social work and had the opportunity to study in Costa Rica and Kenya. While also in grad school, I had five book signings and ended my book tour in Stratford, London, UK. I received a mass amount of support from all over the globe.

Has it been a smooth road?
At the time of the murder, I was serving God, ministering to other people’s brothers via the prison ministry and did not know my brother was dead. Driven by pain, I entered a debate with God. Had we met this time just two years ago, I didn’t think I’d survive the pain and agony. But, here I am… eager to serve and help others!

This has not been a smooth road at all. While fighting for justice, I was introduced to privilege. In my book, I describe privilege as “a gentleman who only holds the door for some.” At times, I let grief get the best of me. I returned to work the Tuesday after having buried my brother the previous Saturday. From coordinating arrangements, writing the obituary, and selecting the last outfit we’d ever see him in, I did that. He was my best friend. He held pieces of my heart. And then, I attempted to return to work just days after. For several reasons, my employer recommended I have a psychological evaluation completed and agreed to cover the cost of three sessions of grief counseling. Well, I’m a black woman. Let’s be real. There is still a stigma attached to seeking help. I was trapped in that phenomena of being a “strong” black woman. Nevertheless, I was prescribed medication for anxiety and depression. For me, I had to go back to the well. I had to tap into my faith.

For women, especially young women, just know that it is okay to NOT have all the answers! There is some stuff that they don’t teach us in school. There are some coping skills that are passed down from generation to generation that are actually unhealthy. As you start your journey to pursue your purpose, go ahead and be proactive about implementing self-care regimens. Know that life is going to happen, so you should secure resources and maintain healthy relationships with professionals who you can contact during the toughest times. Lastly, know that your pain and purpose both serve a purpose that’s bigger than you!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an Author, Activist, Advocate, and Sister! By title, I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I provide social and emotional support to clients and address mental health needs. My specialization is Gerontology. I am most proud of my cultural sensitivity! Currently, this concept of “cultural awareness” is being tossed around so often. I am proud to say that I have had the opportunity to study and connect abroad. In learning about others, I have learned so much about myself. I think what sets me apart from others is I really didn’t know what it meant to live until my brother died. I had no clue. I was trapped in the rat race, but I always knew that there had to be more to life.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Absolutely! Especially women of color! But I won’t turn this into a Black Panther Fan interview, haha! But, I couldn’t agree more. Disease, crime, several forms of abuse, and misuse of power (often towards women) have bombarded the headlines of media coverage nationwide. But, because we tend to be more nurturing, more compassionate, and more responsive to the needs of others, we are well-positioned to find seats at the table of boardrooms and impact decisions, but also to advocate on the corners and blocks of communities where vulnerable people are often silenced.

Pricing:

• My book is 14.99 on Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com
• 8.99 on Kindle

Contact Info:

• Email: Bianca_Smith1@alumni.baylor.edu
• Instagram: bee_517
• Other: www.linkedin.com/in/bsmith0517

Image Credit:
Some photos taken by JP Hanney Photography and J Crump Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.