Freedom Smitty A Living Witness to the STRUGGLE.
A Voice for the Future
For over six decades, Kenneth Salaam – known to the world as "Freedom Smitty"—has been a steadfast force in the pursuit of justice. From marching beside giants to mentoring today's youth, his life reflects an unshakable commitment to truth, equity, and the power of people.
"You may not find me in your history books —
but I’m in the history."
About
Freedom Smitty
From the Front Lines of the Movement to the Heart of the Community
Born in Philadelphia as the fourth of eight siblings, Kenneth Salaam began his activism at the age of 14, deeply impacted by the assassination of Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers. At 16, he made a lifealtering decision: to leave high school and join the fight directly. He became a member of Cecil B. Moore's direct-action team, known as the Young Militants.
Through protest, planning, and principled action, he earned the name Freedom Smitty.
Milestones in a Life of Impact:
Instrumental in the desegregation of Girard College, a powerful symbol of systemic exclusion
Protested alongside Dr. King, Fannie Lou Hamer, Betty Shabazz, and Stokely Carmichael
Joined the James Meredith March, enduring tear gas with Dr. King himself
Escorted the body of Dr. King to his final resting place—a moment forever captured in Ebony Magazine and honored at The King Center
Smitty’s activism extended far beyond protest signs. He organized food caravans, challenged racial injustice at the postal service, stood firm against Klan rallies, and co-led national memorials for Malcolm X.
Today, he continues his mission by educating, mentoring, and speaking to communities who need not just history lessons, but human examples of resilience and courage.
"We weren’t marching for cameras. We were marching because it was life or death. Justice or nothing."
Truth That Moves. Stories That Resonate. Impact That Lasts.
Freedom Smitty's storytelling does more than recount history—it breathes life into it. With deep conviction and powerful personal testimony, he moves audiences to examine the past and act on the present.
Signature Topics:
The Real Civil Rights Movement: Beyond the Headlines
Black Power: Courage, Culture & Community
Mass Incarceration: Redemption, Reentry & Resistance
Youth Empowerment: Mentorship, Accountability & Vision
Faith & Freedom: Liberation Theology & Interfaith Justice
From Protest to Progress: Building Power in Marginalized Communities
He Speaks To:
Schools and Universities
Faith-Based Institutions
Correctional and Reentry Programs
Conferences, Panels, and Social Impact Events
Grassroots and Political Movements
"I don’t just teach history — I am history. And I’m still living it."
Decades of Dedication. A Lifetime of Recognition.
Freedom Smitty has received accolades from community leaders, academic institutions, and national organizations for his tireless commitment to civil rights, education, and service.
Selected Honors Include
Cecil B. Moore Humanitarian Award
Sultan Jihad Ahmad Community Foundation Award
2015 Emmy Award: Cecil's People: The Freedom Fighters
Spirit of Justice Award (Masjidullah Inc.)
Marcus Garvey 100th Anniversary Award
Harris Wofford MLK Day of Service Citizenship Award
Jubilee Charter School Freedom Quilt Award
City Council and Pennsylvania State Senate Citations
Featured in Father Paul Washington’s Legacy Mural
His name is also etched in stone at a community center he helped build in South Carolina
the first ever in the area created without tax dollars.
Where the Truth Has Been Told
From Philadelphia to Atlanta, from grassroots rallies to academic symposiums, Freedom Smitty has shared his testimony and teachings with a wide range of audiences.
Notable Engagements Include
Girard College Chapel
Union League Interfaith Gathering
African American Festival Parade (WPVI 6)
National M.A.L.I. Conference
Germantown Friends School, Friends Select, Drexel University, UPenn W.E.B. DuBois Center
Mandela Philadelphia Visit Breakfast
Featured on ABC News, KYW, WURD, WDAS, Fox 29, and more
“ You students are my future- I quit High School so that you could go to school,
so failure is not an option”
Seen. Heard. Remembered.
Freedom Smitty’s voice and legacy have been featured in documentary films, mainstream media, and historic archives.
6ABC MLK Feature
KYW
Newsradio
The Lost Man (1969, IMDb)
Cecil’s People (YouTube)
Through the Lens of Legacy
A visual record of Freedom Smitty’s life—moments of resistance, joy, solidarity, and spiritual reflection.
Watch & Listen
Let’s Build Together
Looking to bring Freedom Smitty’s message of justice, unity, and empowerment to your audience?
Reach out today to book a speaking engagement or request an interview.
"I’ve lived the kind of story that can’t be silenced.
And I share it so others can rise."
FAQ
What makes Freedom Smitty’s message unique?
Freedom Smitty speaks from lived experience. He was there — not as a spectator, but as a soldier in the struggle. His storytelling is rooted in authenticity and driven by purpose.
What type of events does he speak at?
Smitty speaks at educational institutions, faith-based gatherings, civic organizations, correctional facilities, and conferences across the country
Can we book him virtually?
Yes. Smitty is available for both in-person and virtual speaking engagements.
Does he offer workshops or small group sessions?
Yes. In addition to keynote speaking, he also facilitates interactive sessions for youth and community development programs.
Is a press kit available?
Yes. A downloadable press/media kit is available upon request.
"Some people are written into history. Others write it with their hands, their feet, and their spirit. I’m here so that my people are never forgotten."
© 2025 Freedom Smitty. All rights reserved.